There is... in our day, a powerful antidote to nonsense…
“There is... in our day, a powerful antidote to nonsense, which hardly existed in earlier times - I mean science. Science cannot be ignored or rejected, because it is bound up with modern technique; it is essential alike to prosperity in peace and to victory in war. That is, perhaps from an intellectual point of view, the most hopeful feature of our age, and the one which makes it most likely that we shall escape complete submersion in some new or old superstition.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Science is presented as a vital antidote to superstition, essential for both peace and war, offering hope that humanity can avoid falling into irrational beliefs.
In simple terms: Science counters nonsense and supports progress.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize scientific thinking.
Themes
science
reason
progress
war
peace
superstition
Mood
hopeful
analytical
critical
Type
essay
philosophical statement
social commentary
When to use this quote
- education policy
- public discourse
- technological development
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
empiricism
philosophy of science
skepticism
Questions to Reflect On
- What limits does science face in shaping society?
- How can we balance scientific progress with ethical considerations?
A Different Perspective
Science alone cannot solve ethical dilemmas without moral guidance.