Abandon Quote by Bertrand Russell
“If you think your belief is based upon reason, you will support it by argument rather than by persecution, and will abandon it if the argument goes against you. But if your belief is based upon faith, you will realize that argument is useless, and will therefore resort to force either in the form of persecution or by stunting or distorting the minds of the young in what is called 'education.'”
About This Quote
Source Book: Why I Am Not a Christian, Bertrand Russell, 1927
Reasoned belief invites debate and can be abandoned when contradicted; faith‑based belief resists argument and may turn to coercion or indoctrination.
In simple terms: Reasoned belief can change; faith often resists change.
Key Takeaway
Question arguments, not force, when beliefs are challenged.
Themes
philosophy
religion
epistemology
Mood
thoughtful
critical
concerned
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- political discourse
- education policy
- religious instruction
- family upbringing
Key Concepts
rationalism
dogmatism
authority
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you differentiate healthy skepticism from hostile dogma?
- What role should education play in challenging beliefs?
A Different Perspective
Faith can be weaponized, leading to oppression.
![“If the State does not acquire supremacy over [vast private] enterprises, it becomes their puppet, and they become the real State.” quote by Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bad/bertrand-russell-69_acquire_if-the-state-does-not-acquire-supremacy_1379.jpg)
