Absurdities Quote by Richard Dawkins
““Voltaire got it right long ago: ‘Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities.’ So did Bertrand Russell: ‘Many people would sooner die than think. In fact they do.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: “The God Delusion” author talk, 2006
Charismatic persuasion can lead people to accept nonsense and commit evil acts; critical thinking is essential.
In simple terms: Belief without reason can cause harm.
Key Takeaway
Question authority and think critically.
Themes
belief
persuasion
critical thinking
danger
Mood
cautionary
thought‑provoking
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- political rallies
- cult recruitment
- media consumption
- education settings
Key Concepts
psychology
politics
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- What beliefs do you accept without scrutiny?
- How can societies foster critical thinking?
A Different Perspective
Not all absurdities are obvious; some are subtle.
![“There isn't [in new atheism]. Nothing that wasn't in Bertrand Russell or probably Robert Ingersoll. But I suppose it is more of a political effect, in that all these books happened to come out at the same time. I like to think that we have some influence.” quote by Richard Dawkins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/291/richard-dawkins-115_atheism_there-isn-t-in-new-atheism-nothing-that_1237906.jpg)
