Belief Quote by Salman Rushdie
“When we stop believing in gods we can start believing in their stories, I retort. There are of course no such things as miracles, but if there were and so tomorrow we woke up to find no more believers on earth, no more devout Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Jews, why then, sure the beauty of the stories would be a thing we could focus on because they wouldn't be dangerous any more, they would become capable of compelling the only belief that leads to truth, that is, the willing, disbelieving of the reader in a well-told tale.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Golden House, Salman Rushdie, 2017
Believing in narratives can replace belief in deities, allowing stories to become powerful, non‑dangerous guides to truth through critical engagement.
In simple terms: Stories can guide truth when belief in gods ends.
Key Takeaway
Embrace critical reading of myths.
Themes
mythology
belief
storytelling
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- literary analysis
- philosophical debate
- education
- media criticism
Key Concepts
secularism
narrative power
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- How do narratives shape moral understanding?
- Can stories replace religion?
A Different Perspective
Stories may be misinterpreted without context.
