To crush fanaticism and to venerate the infinite, such is…
““To crush fanaticism and to venerate the infinite, such is the law. Let us not confine ourselves to prostrating ourselves before the tree of creation, and to the contemplation of its branches full of stars. We have a duty to labor over the human soul, to defend the mystery against the miracle, to adore the incomprehensible and reject the absurd, to admit, as an inexplicable fact, only what is necessary, to purify belief, to remove superstitions from above religion; to clear God of caterpillars.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
We must reject superstition, embrace mystery, and focus on essential truths, freeing belief from irrational constraints.
In simple terms: Seek essential truths, reject superstition.
Prioritize rational belief over superstition.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- educational curricula
- public discourse
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What beliefs do you question?
- How do you balance mystery with reason?
Superstition may serve social cohesion despite irrationality.