"Religion is regarded by the common people as true, by the wise as false, and by the rulers as useful."
- Seneca
Attributed to Seneca
This quote offers a pragmatic and somewhat cynical analysis of how religion functions in society. It suggests that the same institution is viewed through different lenses depending on one's position: as a matter of faith for the masses, intellectual error for the philosopher, and a tool for social control for the powerful.
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📚text
Letters from a Stoic
Read Seneca's complete letters
🎓philosophy
Letters Guide
Complete guide to Seneca's wisdom
🧘practice
Evening Review Practice
Seneca's daily reflection method
💡concept
Stoic Principles
Core teachings Seneca advocated
💡concept
The Four Stoic Virtues
Core principles of character development
👤author
Marcus Aurelius
The philosopher emperor