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The supreme crime of the church to-day is that everywhere and in all its operations and influences it is on the side of sloth of mind; that it banishes brains, it sanctifies stupidity, it canonizes incompetence.
Upton Sinclair
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote criticizes the church for promoting ignorance and discouraging intellectual engagement.

Upton Sinclair's quote addresses the detrimental role of the church in society, suggesting that it fosters laziness of thought and celebrates ignorance over critical thinking. By claiming that the church supports incompetence and banishes intellectual pursuit, Sinclair calls into question the moral and ethical responsibilities of religious institutions in fostering a society that values knowledge and understanding.

Themes

IgnoranceChurchIntellectualismStupidityCriticism

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a discussion about the role of religion in education.

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Quote by Upton Sinclair | QuoteProject