I have increasingly, over the years, felt that religion today does our civilization more harm than good.

quote by Mary Douglas
Added by Lucian Velea
Comment! | Vote! | Copy!

Inequality can have a bad downside, but equality, for its part, sure does get in the way of coordination.

quote by Mary Douglas
Added by Lucian Velea
Comment! | Vote! | Copy!

I am convinced that living in an enclave shapes the personality, and living alone shapes the personality too.

quote by Mary Douglas
Added by Lucian Velea
Comment! | Vote! | Copy!

The history of the Church of Rome is a constant leakage of members into such breakaway cults, which go on splitting.

quote by Mary Douglas
Added by Lucian Velea
Comment! | Vote! | Copy!

Without that assured American largesse Israel would have been obliged to come to an accommodation with her neighbours.

quote by Mary Douglas
Added by Lucian Velea
Comment! | Vote! | Copy!

If people want to compete for leadership of a religious group, they can compete in piety. A chilling thought. Or funny.

quote by Mary Douglas
Added by Lucian Velea
Comment! | Vote! | Copy!

Enclave life becomes very tense, Even when they do elect a leader, the factions remain, with the threat of splitting off.

quote by Mary Douglas
Added by Lucian Velea
Comment! | Vote! | Copy!

Some scholars have been arguing that a civilizational clash between organized religions is the next step in human history.

quote by Mary Douglas
Added by Lucian Velea
Comment! | Vote! | Copy!

It is very reasonable to worry about the harm done by organized religion, and to prefer looser and more private arrangements.

quote by Mary Douglas
Added by Lucian Velea
Comment! | Vote! | Copy!

Since 1970, relationships can be more volatile, jobs more ephemeral, geographical mobility more intensified, stability of marriage weaker.

quote by Mary Douglas
Added by Lucian Velea
Comment! | Vote! | Copy!