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Faith is the surrender of the mind; it's the surrender of reason, it's the surrender of the only thing that makes us different from other mammals. It's our need to believe, and to surrender our skepticism and our reason, our yearning to discard that and put all our trust or faith in someone or something, that is the sinister thing to me. Of all the supposed virtues, faith must be the most overrated.

Christopher Hitchens#14

PhilosophySkepticismBeliefFaithReason

About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker criticizes faith as a surrender of reason and skepticism, viewing it as an overrated virtue that diminishes human uniqueness.
In plain terms
He thinks faith is bad because it makes people stop thinking critically.
What can you take from it?
Reason and skepticism are more valuable than blind faith.

Where it applies

  • religious discussions
  • philosophical debates
  • personal beliefs

Putting it to work

  • questioning beliefs
  • valuing critical thinking

Questions to consider

  • Is faith compatible with reason?
  • What makes humans distinct from other animals?

Another view

It may overlook the social or psychological benefits some find in faith.

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