The problem is not that religious people are stupid. It's…
“The problem is not that religious people are stupid. It's not that religious fundamentalists are stupid. I happen to think that you can be so well educated that you can build a nuclear bomb, and still get--and still believe that you will get the 72 virgins in paradise--that is the problem. The problem is that--religion--because it has been sheltered from criticism as it has been--allows people--perfectly sane, perfectly intelligent people--to believe en masse, what only idiots or lunatics could believe in isolation.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Highly educated people can still believe irrationally in religious promises, showing religion's resistance to criticism.
In simple terms: Intelligence doesn't stop irrational belief.
Key Takeaway
Critically examine deeply held beliefs.
Themes
faith
irrationality
education
Mood
analytical
skeptical
Type
philosophical
debate
When to use this quote
- political debate
- science education
- policy making
- personal belief systems
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can rational discourse address deeply held faith?
- What role should education play in belief formation?
A Different Perspective
Criticism may be dismissed as disrespect.