We live in an age of universal inquiry, ergo of universal…
““We live in an age of universal inquiry, ergo of universal scepticism. The prophecies of the poet, the dreams of the philosopher and scientist, are being daily realized — things formerly considered mere fairy-tales have become facts — yet, in spite of the marvels of learning and science that are hourly accomplished among us, the attitude of mankind is one of disbelief. “There is no God!” cries one theorist; “or if there be one, I can obtain no proof of His existence!” “There is no Creator!” exclaims another. “The Universe is simply a rushing together of atoms.” “There can be no immortality,” asserts a third. “We are but dust, and to dust we shall return.” “What is called by idealists the SOUL,” argues another, “is simply the vital principle composed of heat and air, which escapes from the body at death, and mingles again with its native element. A candle when lit emits flame; blow out the light, the flame vanishes — where? Would it not be madness to assert the flame immortal? Yet the soul, or vital principle of human existence, is no more than the flame of a candle.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Modern science fulfills ancient fantasies, yet many reject spiritual or divine ideas, treating existence as purely material.
In simple terms: Science advances but denies spiritual meaning.
Key Takeaway
Question materialist worldview.
Themes
skepticism
science
spirituality
materialism
philosophy
Mood
contemplative
critical
Type
philosophical
inquisitive
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- personal belief
- cultural discourse
Key Concepts
existentialism
philosophical inquiry
humanism
Questions to Reflect On
- What is the role of belief in modern life?
- Can science address meaning?
A Different Perspective
Materialist view may ignore subjective experience.