Science is like society and trade, in resting at bottom…
“Science is like society and trade, in resting at bottom upon a basis of faith. There are some things here, too, that we can not prove, otherwise there would be nothing we can prove. Science is busy with the hither-end of things, not the thither-end. It is a mistake to contrast religion and science in this respect, and to think of religion as taking everything for granted, and science as doing only clean work, and having all the loose ends gathered up and tucked in. We never reach the roots of things in science more than in religion.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Science and religion both rest on unproven assumptions; neither can claim absolute certainty about ultimate truths.
In simple terms: Both rely on faith in unseen foundations.
Key Takeaway
Recognize limits of empirical knowledge.
Themes
faith
epistemology
science
religion
uncertainty
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- personal worldview
- interfaith dialogue
Key Concepts
foundationalism
metaphysics
philosophy of science
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance empirical evidence with belief?
- What assumptions do you take for granted?
A Different Perspective
Science cannot prove ultimate origins; faith remains essential.