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

The line argues that ethical behavior and moral reasoning are not inherently dependent on religious authority—and that, historically, religion has often claimed ownership over morality in ways that distort or constrain it. “Hijacking” implies an illegitimate takeover: moral intuitions such as empathy, fairness, and reciprocity are portrayed as human (and social) achievements that can be commandeered by institutions that demand obedience, define virtue in sectarian terms, or justify harm as sacred duty. Framed as a “greatest tragedy,” the quote suggests that this conflation has had vast consequences: moral debate becomes theological dispute, dissent becomes impiety, and universal ethics are narrowed into in-group rules.