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Atheist Quote by Jonathan Haidt

“The very ritual practices that the New Atheists dismiss as costly, inefficient and irrational turn out to be a solution to one of the hardest problems humans face: cooperation without kinship” quote by Jonathan Haidt
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“The very ritual practices that the New Atheists dismiss as costly, inefficient and irrational turn out to be a solution to one of the hardest problems humans face: cooperation without kinship”

Jonathan Haidt

About This Quote

Source Book: The Righteous Mind, 2012

Rituals dismissed by New Atheists actually solve the hard problem of cooperation among non‑kin.

In simple terms: Rituals help strangers cooperate.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the value of rituals for social cohesion.

Themes

cooperation rituals secularism

Mood

analytical thought‑provoking

Type

philosophical sociological

When to use this quote

  • community building
  • organizational culture
  • conflict resolution
  • public policy

Key Concepts

social psychology evolutionary theory group dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do some view rituals as irrational?
  • Can secular societies create effective rituals?
A Different Perspective

Rituals may be misused for control.

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