Meaning: The quote "Many of us saw religion as harmless nonsense. Beliefs might lack all supporting evidence but, we thought, if people needed a crutch for consolation, where's the harm? September 11th changed all that." is attributed to Richard Dawkins, a well-known scientist and author. This quote reflects a significant shift in the perspective on religion and its impact on society, particularly in the aftermath of the September 11th terrorist attacks.

In the first part of the quote, Dawkins acknowledges that many people, including himself, once viewed religion as harmless nonsense. This perspective suggests a belief that religious beliefs, while lacking evidence, may have provided some comfort or solace to individuals. This view is reflective of a more tolerant attitude toward religion, where the emphasis is on its potential psychological benefits rather than its factual basis.

However, the quote takes a dramatic turn with the statement "September 11th changed all that." This indicates a pivotal moment in Dawkins' perspective and likely in the perspectives of many others. The reference to September 11th is significant as it marks a tragic event in which religious extremism and terrorism led to the loss of thousands of lives. This event shattered the notion of religion as harmless nonsense and brought to light the destructive potential of extreme religious beliefs.

The quote implies that the events of September 11th forced a reevaluation of the perceived harmlessness of religious beliefs. It suggests that the comfort or consolation previously associated with religion was overshadowed by the catastrophic consequences of religious extremism. This shift in perspective likely led to a deeper scrutiny of the role of religion in society and its potential for both positive and negative impacts.

Richard Dawkins is known for his outspoken criticism of religion and his advocacy for scientific reasoning and evidence-based thinking. His quote reflects a broader critique of the role of religion in shaping human behavior and societal norms. It challenges the notion that religious beliefs, even if lacking evidence, should be tolerated simply for their potential psychological benefits. Instead, it highlights the need to critically examine the impact of religious beliefs on individuals and society as a whole.

In the context of the quote, Dawkins' perspective can be seen as a call for a more rational and evidence-based approach to understanding the world and addressing societal challenges. It underscores the importance of questioning beliefs that lack supporting evidence and recognizing the potential harm that can arise from unchecked religious ideologies.

Overall, Richard Dawkins' quote encapsulates a critical shift in perspective regarding religion, particularly in the wake of a significant global event. It challenges the notion of religion as harmless nonsense and prompts a reevaluation of its impact on individuals and society. The quote serves as a thought-provoking commentary on the intersection of belief, evidence, and the consequences of religious ideologies.