The scientist who yields anything to theology, however…
“The scientist who yields anything to theology, however slight, is yielding to ignorance and false pretenses, and as certainly as if he granted that a horse-hair put into a bottle of water will turn into a snake.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Science must remain independent of religious doctrine; compromising it for any theological claim undermines rational inquiry and invites absurd conclusions.
In simple terms: Science vs. faith
Key Takeaway
Preserve scientific integrity
Themes
skepticism
rism
intellectual integrity
rationalism
Mood
defiant
critical
cynical
Type
aphorism
skeptical quote
When to use this quote
- academic research
- public policy debates
- education curricula
- media commentary
Key Concepts
science
theology
knowledge
ignorance
Practical Applications
- critical thinking training
- science communication
Questions to Reflect On
- How does conflating science with belief affect public trust?
- What safeguards keep scientific inquiry free from doctrinal bias?