--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: If we go back to the beginning,” says…" description: "\"“If we go back to the beginning,” says Holbach, “we shall find that ignorance and fear created the gods; that fancy, enthusiasm or deceit adorned or di..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/da5/will-durant-948_fear_if-we-go-back-to-the-beginning-says-holb_3014707.png" --- # If we go back to the beginning,” says Holbach, “we shall… ![“If we go back to the beginning,” says Holbach, “we shall find that ignorance and fear created the gods; that fancy, enthusiasm or deceit adorned or disfigured them; that weakness worships them; that credulity preserves them; and that custom respects and tyranny supports them in order to make the…” quote by Will Durant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/da5/will-durant-948_fear_if-we-go-back-to-the-beginning-says-holb_3014707.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/da5/will-durant-948_fear_if-we-go-back-to-the-beginning-says-holb_3014707.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/da5/will-durant-948_fear_if-we-go-back-to-the-beginning-says-holb_3014707.png) > ““If we go back to the beginning,” says Holbach, “we shall find that ignorance and fear created the gods; that fancy, enthusiasm or deceit adorned or disfigured them; that weakness worships them; that credulity preserves them; and that custom respects and tyranny supports them in order to make the blindness of men serve its own interests.”” [Will Durant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/will-durant/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Human concepts constructs gods from fear and ignorance, reinforced by tradition and power to serve elite interests. **In simple terms:** Fear and ignorance create gods that serve power. Key Takeaway Questionize beliefs that empower oppression. Themes myth power ignorance faith control Mood critical analytical Type philosophical historical When to use this quote - religious critique - political discourse - education reform - media analysis Key Concepts psychology social construct political theory Questions to Reflect On - What beliefs do you accept without questioning? - How does power use myth to control? A Different Perspective Gods can be challenged through critical thinking and empathy. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Created Gods](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/created-gods-316424/) [Fear](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fear/) [Ignorance Fear](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ignorance-fear-1456836/) [Respect](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/respect/) [Says Holbach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/says-holbach-4849562/) [Weakness Worships](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/weakness-worships-2240722/) [Worships Credulity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/worships-credulity-2240723/) ## Related quotes > [“If we go back to the beginning we shall find that ignorance and fear created the gods; that fancy, enthusiasm, or deceit adorned or…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/baron-d-holbach-2/if-we-go-back-to-the-beginning-we-shall-find-that-ignorance-and-fear/) [Baron D. 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