"مذهب چیزی است که از دوران کودکی هوش ما به جا مانده است، آن محو خواهد شد وقتی که ما عقل و علم را به عنوان راهنمای خود بپذیریم"

The idea here is that religion is a sort of leftover from a time when humans weren’t as advanced in their thinking. Imagine that early humans, like kids, didn’t understand the world very well. So, they came up with stories and beliefs to make sense of things. The quote suggests that as we grow up intellectually—by relying more on reason and science—these old beliefs will become less important and eventually disappear.

Think back to the Enlightenment in the 17th and 18th centuries. This was a time when people started to seriously question religious dogma and began to value scientific inquiry and human reason. Philosophers like Voltaire, Rousseau, and Kant were big on this. They argued that human beings could use their minds to understand the world, rather than relying on religious texts and authorities. It was a pretty revolutionary idea at the time.

Let’s take a real-world example. Look at medicine. Centuries ago, illnesses were often seen as punishments from gods or the result of evil spirits. People relied on prayers, rituals, and sometimes pretty gruesome treatments to try and get better. Fast forward to today, and we have a very different approach. We use science to understand diseases. Doctors rely on research, empirical evidence, and reason to treat patients. Think about how far we’ve come with vaccines. Diseases that used to be deadly, like smallpox, are now eradicated because of scientific advancements. Religion didn’t solve this problem—science did.

So how can you apply this in your life? Start by questioning things. Don’t just accept beliefs because they’re traditional or because someone in authority says they’re true. Use reason and look for evidence. If you’re trying to make a big decision, gather information, weigh the pros and cons, and think critically. Let’s say you’re considering a new job. Don’t just pray for guidance. Research the company, talk to potential colleagues, and consider how the change aligns with your career goals and values. It’s about making choices based on reason and evidence rather than relying solely on faith or tradition.

Imagine you’re sitting at a coffee shop with a friend who’s struggling with a big life question. They’re torn between following a path laid out by their family’s religious beliefs or pursuing a career they’re passionate about that doesn’t fit those expectations. You might say to them, “Look, it’s important to respect your roots, but don’t let that be the only thing guiding you. Think about what makes sense for you. What do you love doing? What are you good at? Research your options and talk to people in that field. Use your head and your heart.”

This way, you’re encouraging them to use reason and evidence, just like the quote suggests. It’s not about throwing out all beliefs or traditions but about integrating them with a rational approach to make well-rounded decisions.

In our modern world, the balance between tradition and reason can be tricky, but leaning on science and critical thinking can lead to more informed and effective choices. That’s the heart of the matter.