Every church pretends to have found the exact truth. This…
“Every church pretends to have found the exact truth. This is the end of progress. Why pursue that which you have? Why investigate when you know? Every creed is a rock in running water: humanity sweeps by it. Every creed cries to the universe, "Halt!" A creed is the ignorant Past bullying the enlightened Present. The ignorant are not satisfied with what can be demonstrated. Science is too slow for them, and so they invent creeds. They demand completeness. A sublime segment, a grand fragment, are of no value to them. They demand the complete circle... the entire structure.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
People cling to rigid doctrines, hindering advancement; they seek certainty over inquiry, rejecting the evolving nature of knowledge.
In simple terms: Dogma blocks progress; inquiry is needed.
Key Takeaway
Question and update beliefs to grow.
Themes
religion
dogma
progress
inquiry
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- personal belief revision
- scientific research
- cultural change
Key Concepts
philosophy
skepticism
epistemology
Questions to Reflect On
- What benefits do people find in fixed beliefs?
- How can we respect tradition while encouraging inquiry?
A Different Perspective
Dogma can provide comfort and community.