“I do not think that religion is the most important element. We are held together rather by a body of tradition, handed down from father to son, which the child imbibes with his mother's milk. The atmosphere of our infancy predetermines our idiosyncrasies and predilections.”
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Probable attribution
A source trail connects this quotation to Albert Einstein and In response to a question about whether religion is the tie holding the Jews together., but the exact English wording has not been confirmed in a primary text. The attribution is therefore probable rather than definitive.
Likely origin: In response to a question about whether religion is the tie holding the Jews together.
Review the attribution sourceAbout this quote
This page records the wording "I do not think that religion is the most important…," which centers on think, religion, important. A concrete trail points toward Einstein, but the exact English form remains unconfirmed; the page therefore labels it as attributed to him while preserving its friendship and spirituality context.
When to use it
- Use "I do not think that religion is the most important…" in a friendship discussion, then ask which concrete claim the wording makes.
- Compare its treatment of think with religion in a lesson, essay, or editorial note before drawing a conclusion.
- Before sharing it as Einstein's exact words, display the attribution caveat and follow the evidence link recorded on the page.