Quote by E. O. Wilson

Religious beliefs evolved by group-selection, tribe competing against tribe, and the illogic of religions is not a weakness but their essential strength.

Religious beliefs evolved by group-selection, tribe competin

Summary

This quote suggests that religious beliefs developed through a process of group-selection, where different tribes competed against each other. It argues that the illogical aspects of religions are not weaknesses, but actually their essential strength. This implies that the irrationality of religious beliefs enabled tribes to form stronger collective identities and bind communities together, giving them an advantage in rivalries with other tribes. The quote highlights the evolutionary perspective on the development and persistence of religious beliefs, viewing their illogical elements as integral to their effectiveness in promoting group cohesion and competition among tribes.

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By E. O. Wilson

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