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Bertrand Russell on Religion

1872–1970

← All quotes by Bertrand Russell

10 quotes

My whole religion is this: do every duty, and expect no reward for it, either here or hereafter.

Greek Exercises (1888)

The infliction of cruelty with a good conscience is a delight to moralists. That is why they invented Hell.

Sceptical Essays (1928)

I regard [religion] as a disease born of fear and as a source of untold misery to the human race.

Has Religion Made Useful Contributions to Civilization? (1930)

The businessman's religion and glory demand that he should make much money; therefore, like the Hindu widow, he suffers the torment gladly.

Religions, which condemn the pleasures of sense, drive men to seek the pleasures of power. Throughout history power has been the vice of the ascetic.

One is often told that it is a very wrong thing to attack religion, because religion makes men virtuous. So I am told; I have not noticed it.

Why I Am Not a Christian (1927)

The Spaniards in Mexico and Peru used to baptize Indian infants and then immediately dash their brains out: by this means they secured these infants went to Heaven.

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

Why I Am Not a Christian (1927)

I went to Salt Lake City and the Mormons tried to convert me, but when I found they forbade tea and tobacco I thought it was no religion for me.

I do not think that the real reason why people accept religion has anything to do with argumentation. They accept religion on emotional grounds. One is often told that it is a very wrong thing to attack religion, because religion makes men virtuous. So I am told; I have not noticed it.

Why I Am Not a Christian (1927)

Attribution

Quotes and notes from Wikiquote: Bertrand Russell (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0.