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Assassination Quote by Richard Dawkins

“His polytheistic hankerings were dramatically demonstrated in 1981 when he suffered an assassination attempt in Rome, and attributed his survival to intervention by Our Lady of Fatima: 'A maternal hand guided the bullet.' One cannot help wondering why she didn't guide it to miss him altogether…” quote by Richard Dawkins
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““His polytheistic hankerings were dramatically demonstrated in 1981 when he suffered an assassination attempt in Rome, and attributed his survival to intervention by Our Lady of Fatima: 'A maternal hand guided the bullet.' One cannot help wondering why she didn't guide it to miss him altogether. Others might think the team of surgeons who operated on him for six hours deserved at least a share of the””

Richard Dawkins

About This Quote

Source Speech: Interview, 1982, BBC Radio

He attributes his survival to a Marian miracle, questioning why divine intervention wasn't total.

In simple terms: He credits a saint for saving him, wonders why she didn't fully prevent the attack.

Key Takeaway

Consider the limits of faith in explaining survival.

Themes

faith miracle skepticism survival divine intervention

Mood

reflective questioning

Type

philosophical theological

When to use this quote

  • medical emergencies
  • personal belief
  • historical events

Key Concepts

theology probability human agency

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do we balance belief with evidence?
  • What role do miracles play in personal narratives?
A Different Perspective

Faith may overlook medical skill and chance.

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