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The odd thing about tradition is, the longer it's been…

“The odd thing about tradition is, the longer it's been going, the more people seem to take it seriously - as though sheer passage of time makes something which to begin with was just made up, turns it into what people believe as a fact.” quote by Richard Dawkins
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“The odd thing about tradition is, the longer it's been going, the more people seem to take it seriously - as though sheer passage of time makes something which to begin with was just made up, turns it into what people believe as a fact.”

Richard Dawkins

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Traditions gain perceived legitimacy merely through longevity, not through evidence.

In simple terms: Time does not make ideas true.

Key Takeaway

Question the basis of long‑standing beliefs.

Themes

tradition belief critical thinking

Mood

skeptical inquisitive

Type

critical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • cultural rituals
  • political doctrines

Key Concepts

philosophy sociology

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do we accept traditions without scrutiny?
  • What evidence supports this practice?
A Different Perspective

Long‑standing customs may have hidden harms.

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