Come Quote by Emile Durkheim
“It is inadmissible that systems of ideas like religions, which have held so considerable a place in history, and to which, in all times, men have come to receive the energy which they must have to live, should be made up of a tissue of illusions.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Elementary Forms of Religious Life, 1912
He argues that religions, though historically vital, are built on collective illusions that shape human energy and purpose.
In simple terms: Religion is a shared illusion that fuels life.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the power of collective belief systems.
Themes
religion
society
illusion
purpose
energy
Mood
analytical
critical
scholarly
Type
theoretical
sociological
When to use this quote
- community rituals
- social policy
- education curricula
- interfaith dialogue
Key Concepts
collective consciousness
social cohesion
meaning-making
Questions to Reflect On
- What functions do religious myths serve?
- Can societies thrive without shared narratives?
A Different Perspective
Blind faith can hinder critical thinking and progress.
![“So my students sometimes say: “Everything you teach about religion you seem to like. You always say such positive things about Islam and such positive things about Judaism and Hinduism, which one do you believe?” And I say: “Which one do you think God believes?” [laughter] What the students say is…” quote by Mark Juergensmeyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0b0/mark-juergensmeyer-87061_hinduism_so-my-students-sometimes-say-everything_1765853.jpg)
