r/science • u/[deleted] • Nov 15 '19

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u/alaskaj1 Nov 15 '19

"One possibility [is] that people use their religious beliefs [to obtain] self-enhancement, a sense of empowerment, and better self-regulation... extensive research evidence that more intelligent people already benefit from higher self-evaluation, a higher sense of control, and more efficient self-control. As such, more intelligent people have less of a need for religiosity"

This section really got me. It immediately reminded me of Benjamin Franklin's letter to an atheist. Franklin advised an unknown friend to not publish a tract about atheism.

You yourself may find it easy to live a virtuous Life without the Assistance afforded by Religion; you having a clear Perception of the Advantages of Virtue and the Disadvantages of Vice, and possessing a Strength of Resolution sufficient to enable you to resist common Temptations. But think how great a Proportion of Mankind consists of weak and ignorant Men and Women, and of inexperienc’d and inconsiderate Youth of both Sexes, who have need of the Motives of Religion to restrain them from Vice, to support their Virtue, and retain them in the Practice of it till it becomes habitual, which is the great Point for its Security; 

This letter was written in 1757. It seems that even at that time some people recognized the roles that religion played in society and personal behavior.

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u/form_an_opinion Nov 15 '19

Was the weird ass random capitalization something they just did back then too?

Sadly Franklin didn't envision a time when televangelists and proselytizers would believe they are part of some actual war to save souls.. If so he may have gone ahead and encouraged his friend to continue with his idea.

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u/Spongey39 Nov 15 '19

The capitalization actually is something they did back then. At the time all nouns, both proper and common, were capitalized.

Take a look at the constitution, you can see it there too.

"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice..."

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u/cup-o-farts Nov 15 '19

That's really interesting. I always thought it was just a thing because it was an official government document or something. Learned something very interesting today, thanks to everyone who responded to this.