Skip to content

Able Quote by Arthur Balfour

“Man, so far as natural science by itself is able to teach us, is no longer the final cause of the universe, the Heaven-descended heir of all the ages. His very existence is an accident, his story a brief and transitory episode in the life of one of the meanest of the planets.” quote by Arthur Balfour
Download Open image
“Man, so far as natural science by itself is able to teach us, is no longer the final cause of the universe, the Heaven-descended heir of all the ages. His very existence is an accident, his story a brief and transitory episode in the life of one of the meanest of the planets.”

Arthur Balfour

About This Quote

Source Speech: Parliamentary address, 1915

Natural science no longer explains the universe’s ultimate purpose; humanity is accidental.

In simple terms: Science isn’t the final answer to existence.

Key Takeaway

Seek meaning beyond science.

Themes

existence philosophy humanity

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • spiritual exploration
  • education
  • artistic expression
  • ethical debates

Key Concepts

cosmology anthropology

Questions to Reflect On

  • What gives your life purpose?
  • How do you reconcile science and meaning?
A Different Perspective

Science still offers valuable insights.

4.0 out of 5 (9 ratings)

More by Arthur Balfour

Explore all 42 Arthur Balfour quotes

More Able quotes

Browse all 17,257 Able quotes