Skip to content

Causes Quote by Charles Babbage

“If we define a miracle as an effect of which the cause is unknown to us, then we make our ignorance the source of miracles! And the universe itself would be a standing miracle. A miracle might be perhaps defined more exactly as an effect which is not the consequence or effect of any known laws of…” quote by Charles Babbage
Download Open image
“If we define a miracle as an effect of which the cause is unknown to us, then we make our ignorance the source of miracles! And the universe itself would be a standing miracle. A miracle might be perhaps defined more exactly as an effect which is not the consequence or effect of any known laws of nature.”

Charles Babbage

About This Quote

Miracles arise when we label unknown causes as mysterious, highlighting human ignorance and the limits of knowledge.

In simple terms: Unknown causes seen as miracles.

Key Takeaway

Question assumptions about the unknown.

Themes

philosophy science humility

Mood

thoughtful inquisitive

Type

philosophical reflective

When to use this quote

  • Scientific research
  • spiritual contemplation
  • education reform

Key Concepts

Epistemology cosmology skepticism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What unknowns could become known with effort?
  • How does labeling unknowns as miracles affect curiosity?
A Different Perspective

May dismiss unknown phenomena without investigation.

2.2 out of 5 (3 ratings)

More by Charles Babbage

Explore all 80 Charles Babbage quotes

More Causes quotes

Browse all 9,070 Causes quotes