Crisis alone is not enough. There must also be a basis…
“Crisis alone is not enough. There must also be a basis, though it need be neither rational nor ultimately correct, for faith in the particular candidate chosen.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Scientific shifts need a foundational belief, even if irrational, to support a chosen paradigm.
In simple terms: Faith in a theory can be irrational but necessary.
Accept that some beliefs are pragmatic.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- policy making
- technology adoption
- academic debate
- political campaigns
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What role does irrational belief play in scientific progress?
- How can we balance pragmatism with truth?
Rational justification may be lacking, leading to dogmatism.