I do not want chemistry to degenerate into a religion; I…
“I do not want chemistry to degenerate into a religion; I do not want the chemist to believe in the existence of atoms as the Christian believes in the existence of Christ in the communion wafer.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Criticizes treating scientific concepts as faith, urging evidence‑based belief over dogma.
In simple terms: Science should stay empirical, not become belief.
Question assumptions, demand proof.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- laboratory research
- education
- public policy
- science communication
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence would convince you of atoms?
- How do you balance faith and proof in science?
Risk of dismissing useful models if too skeptical.