Natural order Quote by Christopher Hitchens
““One must state it plainly. Religion comes from the period of human prehistory where nobody—not even the mighty Democritus who concluded that all matter was made from atoms—had the smallest idea what was going on. It comes from the bawling and fearful infancy of our species, and is a babyish attempt to meet our inescapable demand for knowledge (as well as for comfort, reassurance and other infantile needs). Today the least educated of my children knows much more about the natural order than any of the founders of religion, and one would like to think—though the connection is not a fully demonstrable one—that this is why they seem so uninterested in sending fellow humans to hell.””
About This Quote
Religion originated from early human attempts to explain the unknown, fulfilling emotional needs; modern knowledge reduces its appeal.
In simple terms: Religion began as a way to cope with fear and ignorance; now science offers answers.
Key Takeaway
Seek evidence‑based understanding over myth.
Themes
religion
history
human nature
knowledge
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
skeptical
When to use this quote
- education
- public discourse
- secularism
Key Concepts
mythology
science
comfort
existential needs
Questions to Reflect On
- How does belief shape identity?
- Can science fulfill emotional needs?
A Different Perspective
Faith can provide community and meaning beyond pure knowledge.
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