Heredity Quote by Richard Dawkins
““Out of all of the sects in the world, we notice an uncanny coincidence: the overwhelming majority just happen to choose the one that their parents belong to. Not the sect that has the best evidence in its favour, the best miracles, the best moral code, the best cathedral, the best stained glass, the best music: when it comes to choosing from the smorgasbord of available religions, their potential virtues seem to count for nothing, compared to the matter of heredity. This is an unmistakable fact; nobody could seriously deny it. Yet people with full knowledge of the arbitrary nature of this heredity, somehow manage to go on believing in their religion, often with such fanaticism that they are prepared to murder people who follow a different one.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The God Del Delusion, 2006
Religious affiliation often follows family lineage rather than evidence, leading to fanaticism despite rational knowledge.
In simple terms: Religion is inherited, not chosen by evidence.
Key Takeaway
Recognize bias in belief formation.
Themes
religion
inheritance
bias
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- family upbringing
- education
- public discourse
- interfaith dialogue
Key Concepts
sociology
psychology
faith
Questions to Reflect On
- How can critical thinking be fostered early?
- What role does community play in belief retention?
A Different Perspective
Changing deep-rooted beliefs is challenging.
![“I had no idea, however, that in Pennsylvania, the cradle of toleration and freedom of religion, it [fanaticism] could have arisen to the height you describe. This must be owing to the growth of Presbyterianism. The blasphemy of the five points of Calvin, and the impossibility of defending them…” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c6e/thomas-jefferson-43_blasphemy_i-had-no-idea-however-that-in-pennsylvan_2564008.jpg)
