Causes Quote by Claude Bernard
“In teaching man, experimental science results in lessening his pride more and more by proving to him every day that primary causes, like the objective reality of things, will be hidden from him forever and that he can only know relations.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Introduction to Experimental Medicine, 1865
Argues that scientific inquiry reveals only relational knowledge, not ultimate causes, limiting human certainty about reality.
In simple terms: Science shows we know relations, not ultimate truths.
Key Takeaway
Accept uncertainty and focus on empirical relations.
Themes
science
philosophy of knowledge
humility
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- research labs
- education
- public policy debates
Key Concepts
epistemology
empiricism
limitations of perception
Questions to Reflect On
- What does this mean for scientific progress?
- How can we balance humility with confidence?
A Different Perspective
May underestimate the value of theoretical models.
![“Well the first time I performed, my mom was like how she is now when sees me on stage – all red, smiling from ear to ear. So I don’t want to mess up, [be]cause she’s smiling. Seeing my mom happy is kind of like an overwhelming feeling.” quote by Chris Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/477/chris-brown-1887_causes_well-the-first-time-i-performed-my-mom-w_4699.jpg)