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Dangerous Quote by Andrew Dickson White

“In all modern history, interference with science in the supposed interest of religion, no matter how conscientious such interference may have been, has resulted in the direst evils both to religion and to science, and invariably; and, on the other hand, all untrammelled scientific investigation…” quote by Andrew Dickson White
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“In all modern history, interference with science in the supposed interest of religion, no matter how conscientious such interference may have been, has resulted in the direst evils both to religion and to science, and invariably; and, on the other hand, all untrammelled scientific investigation, no matter how dangerous to religion some of its stages may have seemed for the time to be, has invariably resulted in the highest good both of religion and of science.”

Andrew Dickson White

About This Quote

Source Book: A History of the Warfare of Science with Theology in Christendom, 1896

Interference of religion with science harms both; free scientific inquiry benefits both religion and science.

In simple terms: Religion hinders science; science frees religion.

Key Takeaway

Protect scientific freedom.

Themes

science religion conflict progress

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

historical analytical

When to use this quote

  • policy making
  • education reform
  • public discourse
  • research funding

Key Concepts

secularism epistemology ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can societies balance faith and evidence?
  • What safeguards protect scientific integrity?
A Different Perspective

Religious concerns may limit acceptance of scientific findings.

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