The greatest tragedy in mankind's entire history may be the hijacking of morality by religion.

Arthur C. Clarke’s quote, "The greatest tragedy in mankind's entire history may be the hijacking of morality by religion," expresses his critique of the ways in which religion has historically influenced and sometimes distorted the concept of morality. Clarke suggests that the core principles of right and wrong, fairness and justice, have often been manipulated by religious institutions for their own gain or to maintain power. He implies that when morality is tied too closely to religion, it can become rigid, dogmatic, and used as a tool for control rather than a means of promoting true ethical behavior.

The quote critiques the way religion has sometimes been used to justify actions that may be morally questionable, such as discrimination, violence, or oppression, under the guise of adhering to divine or religious principles. By using the term "hijacking," Clarke indicates that morality was essentially taken over or co-opted by religion, diverting it from its potential to be a universal, humanistic guide toward right action, into something that serves religious interests.

Arthur C. Clarke, a renowned science fiction writer and futurist, was deeply critical of the influence of religion on human progress, particularly in areas of science and ethics. As a proponent of rationality and scientific thinking, Clarke often challenged the authority of religion in shaping societal values. This quote is consistent with his broader philosophical views that human moral and ethical frameworks should be based on reason, logic, and empathy rather than religious dogma.

In essence, Clarke’s quote highlights his belief that morality should be an independent concept, guided by human reason and experience, rather than being intertwined with religion. He argues that the tragedy of history is that religion has often distorted the true essence of ethical behavior, limiting its potential for positive change in the world. For Clarke, the ideal morality is one that transcends religious boundaries and focuses on universal human values.