How Religion Evolved Quotes

“In short, it is difficult to see any convincing evidence for anything that will replace religion in human affairs. Religion is a deeply human trait. The content of religion will surely change over the longer term, but, for better or for worse, it is likely to remain with us.”
― Robin I.M. Dunbar, How Religion Evolved: And Why It Endures

“Intense religious experiences and crisis conversions seem to be a common response when the contradictions and tragedies of life create existencial threats.”
― Robin I.M. Dunbar, How Religion Evolved: And Why It Endures

“The world of science and the world of everyday experience do not always connect especially well.”
― Robin I.M. Dunbar, How Religion Evolved: And Why It Endures

“In a word, cooperation allows individuals to succeed (that is, have higher fitness), not groups to succeed against the interests of the individual.”
― Robin I.M. Dunbar, How Religion Evolved: And Why It Endures

“Humans are exceedingly good at recognizing correlations in the world. Indeed, even wild chimpanzees have learned to consume certain medicinal plants that are effective treatments for instestinal parasites. You don't need to know the scientific explanation for a cure to know that it works, and that leaves the way open for religious explanations.”
― Robin I.M. Dunbar, How Religion Evolved: And Why It Endures

“Belief that invisible forces are responsible for what happens in the world, and especially injurious things, is widespread in all cultures and times, and remains prevalent even today.”
― Robin I.M. Dunbar, How Religion Evolved: And Why It Endures

“Religion is simply the cost that had to be paid in order to maximize evolutionary fitness.”
― Robin I.M. Dunbar, How Religion Evolved: And Why It Endures