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I can read ideas from all different people from all different cultures. Without God, we can agree on reality, and I can keep learning where I'm wrong. We can all keep adjusting, so we can really communicate. I don't travel in circles where people say, 'I have faith, I believe this in my heart and nothing you can say or do can shake my faith.' That's just a long-winded religious way to say, 'shut up,' or another two words that the FCC likes less.

Penn Jillette#14

AtheismFaithDialogueLearningOpen mindednessRealityReasonSkepticism

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About this quote

What does it mean?
Shared reality without dogmatic faith allows for open dialogue and the willingness to change one's mind based on evidence.
In plain terms
Without religion, people can agree on facts and keep learning from each other.
What can you take from it?
Stay open to changing your mind when presented with new evidence.

Where it applies

  • academic discussion
  • community debate
  • personal growth

Putting it to work

  • facilitating debate
  • promoting scientific literacy

Questions to consider

  • What convinces you to change your mind?
  • Is faith compatible with constant adjustment?

Another view

Faith communities often value conviction over evidence-based adjustment.

More from Penn Jillette

  1. Believing there's no God means I can't really be forgiven except by kindness and faulty memories. That's good; it makes me want to be more thoughtful. I have t…

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  2. Channeling is just bad ventriloquism. You use another voice, but people can see your lips moving.

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  3. I'm saying, 'This I believe: I believe there is no God.' Having taken that step, it informs every moment of my life. I'm not greedy. I have love, blue skies, r…

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