Blind Quote by Richard Dawkins
“The human psyche has two great sicknesses: the urge to carry vendetta across generations, and the tendency to fasten group labels on people rather than see them as individuals. Abrahamic religion gives strong sanction to both-and mixes explosively with both. Only the willfully blind could fail to implicate the divisive force of religion in most, if not all, of the violent enmities in the world today.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The God Delusion, 2006
Human conflict stems from inherited vendettas and group labeling; Abrahamic religions amplify these tendencies, fueling violence.
In simple terms: Religion fuels inherited grudges and group labeling, causing conflict.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and challenge divisive religious narratives.
Themes
religion
psychology
conflict
history
human nature
Mood
reflective
concerned
hopeful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- interfaith dialogue
- education reform
- peacebuilding
- policy making
Key Concepts
social identity
intergenerational trauma
group dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies reduce inherited vendettas?
- What role can secular ethics play in mitigating group labeling?
A Different Perspective
Not all religious traditions equally promote violence; secular ideologies can also incite conflict.
