I should . . . prefer swallowing one incomprehensibility…
“I should . . . prefer swallowing one incomprehensibility rather than two. It requires one effort only to admit the single incomprehensibility of matter endowed with thought, and two to believe, first that of an existence called spirit, of which we have neither evidence nor idea, and then secondly how that spirit, which has neither extension nor solidity, can put material organs into motion.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Jefferson argues that accepting a single incomprehensible concept (spirit) requires less mental effort than doubting both material and spiritual realms, highlighting the difficulty of reconciling faith and reason.
In simple terms: Accepting one mystery is easier than two.
Key Takeaway
Question the limits of rational belief.
Themes
philosophy
faith
reason
Mood
contemplative
inquisitive
Type
existential
intellectual
When to use this quote
- theological debate
- scientific inquiry
- personal belief systems
Key Concepts
metaphysics
epistemology
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you find comfort in mystery?
- How do you reconcile scientific and spiritual views?
A Different Perspective
Rationalism may struggle with intangible concepts; faith fills gaps.