Children Quote by Christopher Hitchens
““We have no way to quantify the damage done by telling tens of millions of children that masturbation will make them blind, or that impure thoughts will lead to an eternity of torment, or that members of other faiths including members of their own families will burn, or that venereal disease will result from kisses. Nor can we hope to quantify the damage done by holy instructors who rammed home these lies and accompanied them with floggings and rapes and public humiliations. Some of those who "rest in unvisited tombs" may have contributed to the good of the world, but tho who preached hatred and fear and guilt and who ruined innumerable childhoods should have been thankful that the hell they preached was only one among their wicked falsifications, and that they were not sent to rot there.””
About This Quote
Misinformation about sexuality and morality causes lasting harm to children and societies, often perpetuated by religious authority.
In simple terms: False teachings hurt people deeply.
Key Takeaway
Question harmful doctrines critically.
Themes
religion
sex education
harm
authority
Mood
critical
concerned
Type
philosophical
controversial
When to use this quote
- parenting
- education policy
- public health
- faith communities
Key Concepts
ethics
psychology
social control
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies protect children from harmful myths?
- What role should secular education play?
A Different Perspective
Changing entrenched beliefs is socially and politically difficult.
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