Hope Quote by Christopher Hitchens
““The origin of superstition above given affords us a clear reason for the fact, that it comes to all men naturally, though some refer its rise to a dim notion of God, universal to mankind, and also tends to show, that it is no less inconsistent and variable than other mental hallucinations and emotional impulses, and further that it can only be maintained by hope, hatred, anger, and deceit; since it springs, not from reason, but solely from the more powerful phases of emotion.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “God Is Not Great” (2007)
Superstition arises from strong emotions, not reason, and is sustained by hope, hatred, anger, and deceit.
In simple terms: Emotions fuel irrational beliefs.
Key Takeaway
Question the emotional roots of belief.
Themes
reason
emotion
belief
critical thinking
Mood
skeptical
analytical
Type
philosophical
critical.
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- personal decision making
- media consumption
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
psychology of religion
Questions to Reflect On
- What emotions drive your strongest convictions?
- Can reason overcome deeply felt emotional impulses?
A Different Perspective
Superstition can also provide comfort and community.
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