Change things Quote by Gene Doucette
““The advent of civilization--an overly optimistic word--didn't change things as much as one might think, because no matter how large a city or empire became there was always another "them" to go out and kill. And when organized religion really got going... well, there's a fantastic excuse to murder people in bunches.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Civilization and Conflict, 2019
Civilization’s growth didn’t reduce violence; organized religion often justified mass murder.
In simple terms: Civilization didn’t curb killing; religion sometimes excused it.
Critically examine cultural narratives about progress.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- education curricula
- media discourse
- policy debates
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies promote peace without dismissing faith?
- What alternatives replace religion’s role in community?
Not all religious movements are violent.