Religion Quote by Yuval Noah Harari
““The modern age has witnessed the rise of a number of new natural-law religions, such as liberalism, Communism, capitalism, nationalism and Nazism. These creeds do not like to be called religions, and refer to themselves as ideologies. But this is just a semantic exercise. If a religion is a system of human norms and values that is founded on belief in a superhuman order, then Soviet Communism was no less a religion than Islam.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Homo Deus by Yuval Noah Harari, 2015
The quote argues that ideologies like Communism function as religions because they prescribe a comprehensive worldview and demand devotion to a higher order.
In simple terms: Ideologies can act like religions.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the quasi‑religious nature of political systems.
Themes
beliefology
belief
human-norms
power
identity
Mood
critical
analytical
thought‑provoking
Type
philosophical
political
observational
When to use this quote
- political analysis
- education
- public discourse
- media critique
Key Concepts
Secularism
mythmaking
collective identity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we distinguish healthy belief systems from oppressive ideologies?
- What role does narrative play in legitimizing power?
A Different Perspective
Religion can also be a source of oppression and conflict.
