Skip to content

God help Quote by Yuval Noah Harari

“Sobek existed only in the collective imagination of his devotees. Praying to Sobek helped cement the Egyptian social system, thereby enabling people to build dams and canals that prevented floods and droughts. [...] It is often said that God helps those who help themselves. This is a roundabout…” quote by Yuval Noah Harari
Download Open image
““Sobek existed only in the collective imagination of his devotees. Praying to Sobek helped cement the Egyptian social system, thereby enabling people to build dams and canals that prevented floods and droughts. [...] It is often said that God helps those who help themselves. This is a roundabout way of saying that God doesn't exist, but if our belief in Him inspires us to do something ourselves – it helps.””

Yuval Noah Harari

About This Quote

Source Book: Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, 2014

Belief in deities can motivate collective action that strengthens societies and infrastructure.

In simple terms: Faith can inspire self‑help and community projects.

Key Takeaway

Use belief as a catalyst for action.

Themes

belief community infrastructure motivation

Mood

reflective inspirational

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • building dams
  • organizing relief efforts
  • community volunteering

Key Concepts

social cohesion collective action mythology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does belief shape public projects?
  • Can secular motivations replace divine inspiration?
A Different Perspective

If belief is false, motivation may wane when evidence contradicts it.

3.1 out of 5 (7 ratings)

More by Yuval Noah Harari

Explore all 1,200 Yuval Noah Harari quotes

More God help quotes

Browse all 658 God help quotes