I have a friend — or had a friend, now dead — Abdus Salam…
“I have a friend — or had a friend, now dead — Abdus Salam, a very devout Muslim, who was trying to bring science into the universities in the Gulf states and he told me that he had a terrible time because, although they were very receptive to technology, they felt that science would be a corrosive to religious belief, and they were worried about it… and damn it, I think they were right. It is corrosive of religious belief, and it’s a good thing too.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Science can challenge religious beliefs, which can be unsettling but also beneficial for progress.
In simple terms: Science may clash with faith, yet that can be positive.
Key Takeaway
Embrace scientific inquiry despite discomfort.
Themes
science
religion
conflict
progress
education
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
reflective
analytical
When to use this quote
- university curricula
- policy making
- public discourse
- interfaith dialogue
Key Concepts
philosophy of science
secularism
cognitive dissonance
Questions to Reflect On
- How can educators respect faith while promoting science?
- What role should policy play in mediating this tension?
A Different Perspective
Religious communities may resist change, limiting scientific adoption.