About this quote

Organized belief systems often demand that you adopt their trauma and suffering as your own identity. It is worth asking why so many institutions build their entire authority around ancient, violent imagery. Aligning with a group means you inherit their baggage and their view of human nature. Do you really want to base your life's outlook on a symbol of execution? True independence means stepping back to look at what you are actually worshiping before you sign up.

When to use it

• A coworker asks why you refuse to join the new, highly aggressive office committee that uses a predator as its logo. You tell them you prefer groups that do not celebrate intimidation.
• Your devout relative asks why you stopped going to service on Sundays. You use this thought to explain your discomfort with the focus on suffering.
• A friend tries to recruit you into a campus society known for hazing rituals. You tell them you have no interest in joining a group that bases its identity on pain.