Children Quote by Richard Dawkins
““There is something infantile in the presumption that somebody else (parents in the case of children, God in the case of adults) has a responsibility to give your life meaning and point. [...] Somebody else must be responsible for my well-being, and somebody else must be to blame if I am hurt. Is it a similar infantilism that really lies behind the 'need' for a God?””
About This Quote
Source Book: The God Delusion, Richard Dawkins, 2006
The quote argues that relying on external sources like parents or God for life's meaning is childish; individuals must create their own purpose and responsibility.
In simple terms: Seeking meaning from others is immature; find your own purpose.
Take responsibility for your own meaning.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal development
- spiritual exploration
- parenting
- education
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you cultivate self-derived purpose?
- What responsibilities arise when you reject external meaning?
External sources cannot fully satisfy personal meaning.