Available Quote by Richard Dawkins
“Religion shows a pattern of heredity which I think is similar to genetic heredity. ... There are hundreds of different religious sects, and every religious person is loyal to just one of these. ... The overwhelming majority just happen to choose the one their parents belonged 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.”
About This Quote
Religious affiliation often follows family inheritance rather than rational evaluation of evidence or virtues.
In simple terms: Religion is inherited, not chosen by evidence.
Key Takeaway
Consider the origins of your beliefs.
Themes
culture
inheritance
faith
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
sociological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- family traditions
- community rituals
- education
- personal spiritual search
Key Concepts
social identity
memetics
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your background influence your faith?
- Can you separate cultural ties from personal belief?
A Different Perspective
Individual choice can be limited by social pressure.
![“[All religious sects] dread the advance of science as witches do the approach of daylight; and scowl on the fatal harbinger announcing the subversion of the duperies in which they live.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/08c/thomas-jefferson-43_announcing_all-religious-sects-dread-the-advance-of_1053268.jpg)
![“There exists indeed an opposition to it [ building of UVA, Jefferson's secular college ] by the friends of William and Mary, which is not strong. The most restive is that of the priests of the different religious sects, who dread the advance of science as witches do the approach of day-light; and…” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/74e/thomas-jefferson-43_clergy_there-exists-indeed-an-opposition-to-it_137072.jpg)
