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We who are atheists are also a-fairyists, a-teapotists, and a-unicornists, but we don't have to bother saying so.
Richard Dawkins
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Atheists often reject not just a belief in gods but also other mythical entities, emphasizing their focus on rational thought.

In this quote, Richard Dawkins humorously points out that atheism is not only a lack of belief in deities but can also extend to skepticism towards other mythical and whimsical entities. By listing 'fairies, teapots, and unicorns' as subjects of disbelief, he suggests that atheists shouldn't feel the need to proclaim their disbelief in every mythical concept, emphasizing a commitment to rational and evidence-based thinking.

Themes

AtheismMythRationalismSkepticismHumor

In practice

Example use cases

During a debate on belief systems, to highlight the absurdity of unproven beliefs.

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Even if not a single fossil has ever been found, the evidence from surviving animals would still overwhelmingly force the conclusion that Darwin was right.
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The bitter hatreds that now poison Middle Eastern politics are rooted in the real or perceived wrong of the setting up of a Jewish State in an Islamic region. In view of all that the Jews had been through, it must have seemed a fair and humane solution. Probably deep familiarity with the Old Testament had given the European and American decision-makers some sort of idea that this really was the historic homeland of the Jews.
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