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Religion is based, I think, primarily and mainly upon fear. It is partly the terror of the unknown and partly, as I have said, the wish to feel that you have a kind of elder brother who will stand by you in all your troubles and disputes... A good world needs knowledge, kindliness, and courage; it does not need a regretful hankering after the past or a fettering of the free intelligence by the words uttered long ago by ignorant men.

Bertrand Russell#24

PhilosophyPsychologyReligionEducationKnowledgeFearCourage

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About this quote

What does it mean?
Russell argues that religion is mainly driven by fear of the unknown and a desire for a protective elder figure, and that a good world needs knowledge, kindness, and courage instead of clinging to past dogma.
In plain terms
Religion stems from fear and a wish for protection, while progress needs knowledge, kindness and courage.
What can you take from it?
Question religious authority and prioritize rational, compassionate values.

Where it applies

  • debating religious influence
  • educational reform
  • personal belief reflection

Putting it to work

  • encourage critical thinking
  • promote secular education
  • foster community support without dogma

Questions to consider

  • How does fear shape our belief systems?
  • What alternatives to religious authority can provide social cohesion?

Another view

Not all religious experiences are rooted in fear; some provide genuine comfort and moral guidance.

More from Bertrand Russell

  1. I say quite deliberately that the Christian religion, as organized in its churches, has been and still is the principal enemy of moral progress in the world.

    Permalink to quote #23

  2. I am as firmly convinced that religions do harm as I am that they are untrue.

    Permalink to quote #25

  3. Neither acquiescence in skepticism nor acquiescence in dogma is what education should produce. What it should produce is a belief that knowledge is attainable …

    Permalink to quote #22

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