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Dogmas are collective conceptual prisons. And the strange thing is that people love their prison cells because they give them a sense of security and a false sense of 'I know.' Nothing has inflicted more suffering on humanity than its dogmas.
Eckhart Tolle
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Dogmas restrict our thinking and create a false sense of security, leading to suffering.

In this quote, Eckhart Tolle highlights the restrictive nature of dogmas, which are rigid beliefs shared by groups. He explains that while these beliefs may provide comfort and a false certainty of knowledge, they ultimately lead to collective suffering by limiting personal growth and understanding.

Themes

DogmaBeliefFreedomKnowledgeSuffering

In practice

Example use cases

In a debate about religious beliefs, one might use this quote to emphasize the dangers of dogmatic thinking.

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Quote by Eckhart Tolle | QuoteProject