Believe Quote by Richard Dawkins
“The odd thing about tradition is, the longer it's been going, the more people seem to take it seriously - as though sheer passage of time makes something which to begin with was just made up, turns it into what people believe as a fact.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The God Del Delusion, 2006
Traditions gain perceived legitimacy merely through longevity, not through evidence.
In simple terms: Time does not make ideas true.
Key Takeaway
Question the basis of long‑standing beliefs.
Themes
tradition
belief
critical thinking
Mood
skeptical
inquisitive
Type
critical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- cultural rituals
- political doctrines
Key Concepts
philosophy
sociology
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we accept traditions without scrutiny?
- What evidence supports this practice?
A Different Perspective
Long‑standing customs may have hidden harms.
