Around the corner Quote by Kurt Andersen
““Whether an individual’s conspiracism exists alongside religious faith, psychologically they’re similar: a conspiracy theory can be revised and refined and further confirmed, but it probably can’t ever be disproved to a true believer’s satisfaction. The final conspiratorial nightmare crackdown is always right around the corner but never quite comes—as with the perpetually fast-approaching end-time. Like Christians certain both that evolution is a phony theory and that God created people a few thousand years ago, conspiracists are simultaneously credulous (about impossible plots) and incredulous (about the confusing, dull gray truth). Conspiracists often deride arguments against their theories as disinformation cooked up by the conspirators—the way some Christians consider evolutionary explanations to be the work of the devil.””
About This Quote
Source Article: "The Conspiracy of Faith" by Kurt Andersen, The Atlantic, 2022
Conspiracy beliefs and religious faith share psychological traits: both resist disproof, cling to certainty, and label opposing evidence as deceitful.
In simple terms: Conspiracy and faith both avoid being disproven and dismiss opposing views.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the need for critical thinking across belief systems.
Themes
psychology
belief
critical thinking
Mood
skeptical
reflective
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- religious debates
- online communities
- media consumption
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
confirmation bias
identity protection
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you evaluate evidence that conflicts with your core beliefs?
- What mechanisms protect these beliefs from doubt?
A Different Perspective
Both can be challenged by evidence but often persist due to emotional needs.
![“I always say Manny [Ramirez] is a strange guy. Outwardly, he's happy-go-lucky. On the inside, he's got a lot of conspiracy theories going on. I would say Manny might be one of these guys when he's 50 years old, he might be in his house with all the blinds shut kind of looking out like the CIA's…” quote by Bronson Arroyo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/138/bronson-arroyo-48309_cia_i-always-say-manny-ramirez-is-a-strange_212981.jpg)
