Agnostic Quote by Robert M. Pirsig
“A person isn't considered insane if there are a number of people who believe the same way. Insanity isn't supposed to be a communicable disease. If one other person starts to believe him, or maybe two or three, then it's a religion.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig, 1974
When many share a belief, it becomes a doctrine; individual sanity is defined apart from group consensus.
In simple terms: Shared beliefs can turn into religion.
Key Takeaway
Question conformity.
Themes
conformity
belief
sanity
religion
Mood
skeptical
reflective
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- online communities
- education
- critical thinking
Key Concepts
philosophy
social psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you followed a belief because of the crowd?
- How can you maintain individuality?
A Different Perspective
Group pressure can suppress truth.
