They [scientists of centuries past] call on God only from…
![“They [scientists of centuries past] call on God only from the lonely and precarious edge of incomprehension. Where they feel certain about their explanations, however, God gets hardly a mention.” quote by Neil deGrasse Tyson](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/0b0/neil-degrasse-tyson-143_century_they-scientists-of-centuries-past-call-o_12921.png)
“They [scientists of centuries past] call on God only from the lonely and precarious edge of incomprehension. Where they feel certain about their explanations, however, God gets hardly a mention.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
When scientists encounter the limits of knowledge, they invoke the divine; confidence in explanations reduces the need for such appeal.
In simple terms: Science turns to God at the unknown, not the known.
Key Takeaway
Uncertainty drives spiritual appeal.
Themes
Epistemology
Science vs Faith
Human curiosity
Limits of knowledge
Mood
Reflective
Introspective
Type
Philosophical
Observational
When to use this quote
- Philosophical debates
- Academic lectures
- Personal reflection
Key Concepts
Uncertainty
Explanation
Divine attribution
Practical Applications
- Teaching epistemology
- Writing about science and belief
Questions to Reflect On
- What does this say about the role of humility in science?
- How might this view affect public trust in scientific explanations?
A Different Perspective
Some argue that invoking God is a cultural habit, not a logical necessity.