• aeternum@kbin.social
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    1 year ago

    When one person believes a delusion, it’s called mental illness. When millions of people believe a delusion, it’s called religion.

    • brainrein@feddit.de
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      1 year ago

      Might be called patriotism in some cases. Or even as science, which is what racism was called not so long ago.

      People generally tend to believe what those around them believe and are not particularly good at challenging their own beliefs.

      Many people who pride themselves on having overcome some common delusion fall into the next one. Above all, not being religious indicates that people have joined a different group of peers with different beliefs. Which, more or less by accident, might turn out to be less delusional.

      No need to feel superior. Magical thinking is deeply rooted in our biology.

      Even I sometimes approach a street lamp and hear myself say, “Go green.” Isn’t that a prayer?