Belief Quote by Daniel Dennett
“I am confident that those who believe in belief are wrong. That is, we no more need to preserve the myth of God in order to preserve a just and stable society than we needed to cling to the Gold Standard to keep our currency sound. It was a useful crutch, but we've outgrown it. Denmark, according to a recent study, is the sanest, healthiest, happiest, most crime-free nation in the world, and by and large the Danes simply ignore the God issue. We should certainly hope that those who believe in belief are wrong, because belief is waning fast, and the props are beginning to buckle.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Breaking the Spell by Daniel Dennett, 2006
Belief systems, like religion, are outdated crutches; societies can thrive without them, as shown by secular, happy nations.
In simple terms: Religion is an unnecessary support for society; secular societies can prosper.
Key Takeaway
Support societal well‑being through evidence‑based institutions.
Themes
secularism
belief
society
happiness
Mood
analytical
optimistic
Type
philosophical
policy‑oriented
When to use this quote
- government
- education
- community building
Key Concepts
social cohesion
moral frameworks
public policy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies maintain cohesion without shared religious beliefs?
- What alternatives replace moral guidance?
A Different Perspective
Transitioning away from belief may cause cultural resistance.
