Atheism Quote by Peter Medawar
“It goes with the passionate intensity and deep conviction of the truth of a religious belief, and of course of the importance of the superstitious observances that go with it, that we should want others to share it - and the only certain way to cause a religious belief to be held by everyone is to liquidate nonbelievers. The price in blood and tears that mankind generally has had to pay for the comfort and spiritual refreshment that religion has brought to a few has been too great to justify our entrusting moral accountancy to religious belief.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Art of the Soluble, Peter Medawar, 1967
Religious belief often demands conformity, leading to violence against dissenters, and the suffering caused outweighs any spiritual benefits.
In simple terms: Religion can cause harm when forced on others.
Key Takeaway
Question questioning imposed faith.
Themes
religion
violence
ethics
Mood
critical
somber
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- political policy
- education reform
- interfaith dialogue
- human rights advocacy
Key Concepts
conformity
moral accountability
Questions to Reflect On
- Is faith ever truly voluntary?
- How can societies protect both belief and freedom?
A Different Perspective
Violence can also be justified as defense of cultural identity.
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