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About this quote

What does it mean?
Critics of religion should avoid becoming intolerant themselves while trying to reduce harm caused by faith.
In plain terms
Don't let your fight against religion make you close-minded.
What can you take from it?
Challenge harmful ideas without adopting intolerance.

Where it applies

  • debates about religion
  • social commentary
  • advocacy work

Putting it to work

  • practice open dialogue
  • avoid ad hominem attacks
  • focus on harms not believers

Questions to consider

  • Can you oppose a belief system without hating its followers?
  • Where is the line between criticism and intolerance?

Another view

Some argue that strict intolerance is sometimes necessary against harmful ideologies.

More from Sam Harris

  1. ~Nina Burleigh, 'Forget About Christ, Get God out of Christmas First' (2005)[13]

    Permalink to quote #99
  2. ~RJ Eskow, 'Blind Faith: Sam Harris Attacks Islam' (2005)[14]

    Permalink to quote #101
  3. Mr. Harris argues cogently, pithily, wittily, passionately, that religious 'faith' is leading humanity straight to a very earthly hell.

    Permalink to quote #98

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