For if a man by magical arts and sacrifices will bring…
““For if a man by magical arts and sacrifices will bring down the moon, and darken the sun, and induce storms, or fine weather, I should not believe that there was anything divine, but human, in these things, provided the power of the divine were overpowered by human knowledge and subjected to it.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Human knowledge can dominate nature if it overpowers divine forces
In simple terms: Science can control nature through understanding
Key Takeaway
Study nature to master it
Themes
science
humanism
power
Mood
cautious
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- weather prediction
- agriculture
- medicine
- engineering
Key Concepts
natural law
human agency
Questions to Reflect On
- What ethical limits should guide scientific power?
- Can knowledge replace belief?
A Different Perspective
Nature may resist or have unknown limits