---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: As a scientist, I am hostile to…"
description: "\"As a scientist, I am hostile to fundamentalist religion because it actively debauches the scientific enterprise. It teaches us not to change our minds,..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/91b/richard-dawkins-115_available_as-a-scientist-i-am-hostile-to-fundament_1095987.jpg"
---

#  As a scientist, I am hostile to fundamentalist religion…

![“As a scientist, I am hostile to fundamentalist religion because it actively debauches the scientific enterprise. It teaches us not to change our minds, and not to want to know exciting things that are available to be known. It subverts science and saps the intellect.” quote by Richard Dawkins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/91b/richard-dawkins-115_available_as-a-scientist-i-am-hostile-to-fundament_1095987.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/91b/richard-dawkins-115_available_as-a-scientist-i-am-hostile-to-fundament_1095987.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/91b/richard-dawkins-115_available_as-a-scientist-i-am-hostile-to-fundament_1095987.jpg)

> “As a scientist, I am hostile to fundamentalist religion because it actively debauches the scientific enterprise. It teaches us not to change our minds, and not to want to know exciting things that are available to be known. It subverts science and saps the intellect.”

[Richard Dawkins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-dawkins/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Fundamentalist religion opposes scientific inquiry, discouraging questioning and intellectual growth.

**In simple terms:** Religion can block scientific progress.

Key Takeaway

Encourage critical thinking over dogma.

Themes

science vs religion intellectual freedom skepticism

Mood

critical thought‑provoking

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

- classroom teaching
- public policy debates
- media commentary
- personal belief discussions

Key Concepts

philosophy epistemology

Questions to Reflect On

- How can we foster dialogue between science and belief?
- What role does humility play in scientific inquiry?

A Different Perspective

Some may view this as dismissive of personal faith.

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