Atheism Quote by Richard Dawkins
““There is something distinctly odd about the argument, however. Believing is not something you can decide to do as a matter of policy. At least, it is not something I can decide to do as an act of will. I can decide to go to church and I can decide to recite the Nicene Creed, and I can decide to swear on a stack of bibles that I believe every word inside them. But none of that can make me actually believe it if I don't. Pascal's Wager could only ever be an argument for feigning belief in God. And the God that you claim to believe in had better not be of the omniscient kind or he'd see through the deception.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins, 2006
Belief cannot be forced by rational arguments or rituals; it requires genuine conviction beyond mere assent.
In simple terms: Belief isn’t a choice or policy.
Key Takeaway
Recognize belief as a personal conviction, not a strategic act.
Themes
faith
belief
philosophy
skepticism
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
skeptical
analytical
When to use this quote
- personal decision making
- religious practice
- ethical debates
- public discourse
Key Concepts
free will
authenticity
religious epistemology
Questions to Reflect On
- Can you distinguish between sincere belief and strategic conformity?
- What role does authenticity play in faith?
A Different Perspective
Belief may be influenced by social pressure, even if not truly internalized.
![“The Bible is not interested in arguing, because if you state a thesis of belief you have already stated it's opposite; if you say, I believe in God, you have already suggested the possibility of not believing in him. [p.250]” quote by Northrop Frye](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/154/northrop-frye-3483_arguing_the-bible-is-not-interested-in-arguing-b_3080713.jpg)
