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If faith is what you have to go on, if faith is the link…

“If faith is what you have to go on, if faith is the link between your beliefs and the world at large, your beliefs are very likely to be wrong. Beliefs can be right or wrong. If you believe you can fly, that belief is only true if indeed you can fly. Somebody who thinks he can fly, and is wrong…” quote by Sam Harris
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“If faith is what you have to go on, if faith is the link between your beliefs and the world at large, your beliefs are very likely to be wrong. Beliefs can be right or wrong. If you believe you can fly, that belief is only true if indeed you can fly. Somebody who thinks he can fly, and is wrong about it, will eventually discover there's a problem with his view of the world.”

Sam Harris

About This Quote

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

Faith without evidence can lead to false beliefs; belief must be testable to be true.

In simple terms: Unverified faith can be mistaken.

Key Takeaway

Base beliefs on evidence, not wishful thinking.

Themes

philosophy science faith epistemology

Mood

thought‑provoking skeptical

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • education
  • public policy
  • personal decision making
  • media commentary

Key Concepts

skepticism critical thinking cognitive bias

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do we balance faith and reason?
  • Can belief be both meaningful and evidence‑based?
A Different Perspective

Faith can provide comfort despite being false.

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