In Erica Jong's "Fear of Flying," she explores the inherent vulnerability people feel in life-threatening situations, such as during a turbulent flight. The quote "There are no atheists on turbulent airplanes" emphasizes how crises can provoke existential thoughts and a search for meaning, showing that in moments of fear, individuals often turn to spirituality or a higher power for comfort and reassurance. This insight reflects a broader human tendency to seek solace in belief systems when faced with uncertainty. Jong captures the irony that even the most skeptical individuals might cling to faith when confronted with potential disaster, illustrating how deeply ingrained the instinct for self-preservation is in human nature. Faith becomes a refuge amid chaos, underscoring the complexities of belief in times of distress.

In Erica Jong's "Fear of Flying," she explores the inherent vulnerability people feel in life-threatening situations, such as during a turbulent flight. The quote "There are no atheists on turbulent airplanes" emphasizes how crises can provoke existential thoughts and a search for meaning, showing that in moments of fear, individuals often turn to spirituality or a higher power for comfort and reassurance.

This insight reflects a broader human tendency to seek solace in belief systems when faced with uncertainty. Jong captures the irony that even the most skeptical individuals might cling to faith when confronted with potential disaster, illustrating how deeply ingrained the instinct for self-preservation is in human nature. Faith becomes a refuge amid chaos, underscoring the complexities of belief in times of distress.