“primitive religions are based entirely on fear”
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Attribution note
No reliable primary or scholarly source confirms this exact wording as Albert Einstein's. It is widely circulated under his name and is listed as commonly attributed.
Likely origin: Religion and Science
About this quote
This wording, beginning "primitive religions are based entirely on fear," circulates under Einstein's name and focuses on primitive, religions, based. No strong source for the exact text was found, so the page presents it as commonly attributed while still explaining its practical connection to spirituality and wisdom.
When to use it
- Use "primitive religions are based entirely on fear" in a spirituality discussion, then ask which concrete claim the wording makes.
- Compare its treatment of primitive with religions 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.

