About this quote

The line points out a simple inconsistency in how people treat belief. Most claims about gods from history are already dismissed without fuss, yet some modern claims get special treatment. Ask yourself why you reject some ideas quickly but protect others. If you want clearer thinking, notice where you make exceptions and test them honestly.

When to use it

• At a work lunch when a colleague defends a superstitious practice that costs the team time, I say, “We already don’t believe in most gods — why give this one a pass?”
• In a philosophy class discussion about ancient rituals, a student nods and says, “True — we dismiss those gods, so why should I treat modern claims differently?”
• At a family holiday when an uncle credits a miracle for luck, you reply, “We don’t believe in those old gods anymore; why believe this without evidence?”
• Before spending money on a dubious investment tied to a charismatic leader, a friend shrugs and asks, “If we’re already atheists about most gods, why trust this one blindly?”