Again men have been kept back as by a kind of enchantment…
“Again men have been kept back as by a kind of enchantment from progress in science by reverence for antiquity, by the authority of men counted great in philosophy, and then by general consent.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
People often let reverence for the past and authority of famous thinkers hinder scientific advancement.
In simple terms: Respect for tradition can block new ideas.
Key Takeaway
Question old assumptions.
Themes
tradition
authority
science
progress
Mood
critical
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- academic research
- policy making
- education reform
- public discourse
- technology development
Key Concepts
epistemology
skepticism
innovation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance respect for past wisdom with openness to new evidence?
- What mechanisms can prevent authority from stifling innovation?
A Different Perspective
New ideas also need rigorous testing, not just rejection of tradition.