Belief Quote by Steven Pinker
“All over the world, belief in the supernatural has authorised the sacrifice of people to propitiate bloodthirsty gods, and the murder of witches for their malevolent powers.”
About This Quote
Belief in supernatural forces has historically justified violent rituals and persecution.
In simple terms: Superstition fuels violence.
Key Takeaway
Question harmful beliefs.
Themes
religion
violence
history
Mood
critical
serious
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- academic courses
- public policy
- media analysis
Key Concepts
sociology of belief
moral psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do societies cling to supernatural explanations?
- How can education reduce such violence?
A Different Perspective
Complex cultural factors also play a role.
![“[...] it is right to be kind and even sacrifice ourselves to people who need kindness and lie in our way - otherwise, besides failing to help them, we run into the aridity of self-development. To seek for recipients of one's goodness, to play the Potted Jesus leads to the contray the Christian…” quote by E. M. Forster](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/71d/e-m-forster-1118_be-kind_it-is-right-to-be-kind-and-even-sacrific_535856.jpg)
