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About this quote

What does it mean?
Einstein mocks religious figures by suggesting taking them seriously is too much honor.
In plain terms
Do not take clergymen seriously; they do not deserve it.
What can you take from it?
Dismiss religious authority as unworthy of serious thought.

Where it applies

  • public debate
  • social commentary
  • religious critique

Putting it to work

  • critiquing clergy
  • challenging authority
  • satire

Questions to consider

  • Who deserves honor?
  • Is religion harmful?

Another view

It dismisses all religious leaders without nuance.

More from Albert Einstein

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  2. We should take care not to make the intellect our god; it has, of course, powerful muscles, but no personality. It cannot lead, it can only serve

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  3. The fact that man produces a concept 'I' besides the totality of his mental and emotional experiences or perceptions does not prove that there must be any spec…

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