Human psyche Quote by Sam Harris
““The human psyche has two great sicknesses: the urge to carry vendetta across generations, and the tendency to fasten group labels on people rather than see them as individuals. Abrahamic religion gives strong sanction to both—and mixes explosively with both. Only the willfully blind could fail to implicate the divisive force of religion in most, if not all, of the violent enmities in the world today. Without a doubt it is the prime aggravator of the Middle East. Those of us who have for years politely concealed our contempt for the dangerous collective delusion of religion need to stand up and speak out. Things are different now. “All is changed, changed utterly.” —RICHARD DAWKINS””
About This Quote
Source Book: The End of Faith, Sam Harris, 2004
The quote argues that religion fuels intergenerational vendettas and group labeling, intensifying global violence, especially in the Middle East, and calls for outspoken criticism of this collective delusion.
In simple terms: Religion fuels hatred and division, worsening conflict.
Key Takeaway
Speak out against religious divisiveness.
Themes
religion
conflict
identity
violence
criticism
Mood
critical
urgent
reflective
Type
philosophical
activist
political
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- interfaith dialogue
- education reform
- media commentary
Key Concepts
group psychology
intergenerational trauma
social labeling
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies address religious conflict without alienating believers?
- What alternatives to religious identity can foster unity?
A Different Perspective
Religious belief can also provide community and moral guidance, complicating a total rejection.
![“Moderates in every faith are obliged to loosely interpret (or simply ignore) much of their canons in the interests of living in the modern world. [...] The first thing to observe about the moderate’s retreat from scriptural literalism is that it draws its inspiration not from scripture but from…” quote by Sam Harris](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b44/sam-harris-457_bible_moderates-in-every-faith-are-obliged-to_6967.jpg)
