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About this quote

What does it mean?
Russell sees religion as a childhood relic that will disappear as reason and science guide us.
In plain terms
Religion will fade when we adopt reason.
What can you take from it?
Progress in science reduces reliance on faith.

Where it applies

  • secular societies
  • educational reform

Putting it to work

  • promote scientific literacy

Questions to consider

  • Can reason fully replace religious functions?
  • What drives religious persistence?

Another view

Religion fulfills social and emotional roles beyond explanations.

More from Bertrand Russell

  1. In all affairs it's a healthy thing now and then to hang a question mark on the things you have long taken for granted.

    Permalink to quote #200
  2. Science is what you know, philosophy is what you don't know.

    Permalink to quote #202
  3. I would never die for my beliefs because I might be wrong.

    Permalink to quote #199

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