[M]uch of the world's population could be annihilated on account of religious ideas that belong on the same shelf with Batman.[2]
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Harris argues that religious ideas can justify mass annihilation and compares them to fictional absurdities.
- In plain terms
- People might kill millions because of religious beliefs that are as made up as comic book stories.
- What can you take from it?
- Be aware that religious doctrines can lead to real-world violence despite being unfounded.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What makes some beliefs more dangerous than others?
- How do we evaluate the truth of religious claims?
Another view
The comparison to fiction may oversimplify how sincerely held beliefs motivate action.
More from Sam Harris
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