Evolution Quote by James G. Frazer
“For there are strong grounds for thinking that, in the evolution of thought, magic has preceded religion.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Golden Bough, 1890
Magic, as a primitive way of explaining the world, historically came before organized religion.
In simple terms: Magic came before religion.
Key Takeaway
Recognize early human attempts to make sense of reality.
Themes
history
anthropology
belief systems
Mood
reflective
inquisitive
Type
analytical
historical
When to use this quote
- archaeology
- religious studies
- education
- public discourse
Key Concepts
mythology
cognitive evolution
Questions to Reflect On
- How do contemporary rituals reflect ancient magical thinking?
- Can we separate myth from early scientific thought?
A Different Perspective
Modern belief systems may blend magic and religion, complicating the distinction.
![“Perhaps no order of mammals presents us with so extraordinary a series of gradations as this [step by step, from humans to apes to monkeys to lemurs] - leading us insensibly from the crown and summit of the animal creation down to creatures, from which there is but a step, as it seems, to the…” quote by Thomas Huxley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f0b/thomas-huxley-1183_animal_perhaps-no-order-of-mammals-presents-us_3051.jpg)
