Astronomy Quote by David Brewster
““Thus identified with astronomy, in proclaiming truths supposed to be hostile to Scripture, Geology has been denounced as the enemy of religion. The twin sisters of terrestrial and celestial physics have thus been joint-heirs of intolerance and persecution—unresisting victims in the crusade which ignorance and fanaticism are ever waging against science. When great truths are driven to make an appeal to reason, knowledge becomes criminal, and philosophers martyrs. Truth, however, like all moral powers, can neither be checked nor extinguished. When compressed, it but reacts the more. It crushes where it cannot expand—it burns where it is not allowed to shine. Human when originally divulged, it becomes divine when finally established. At first, the breath of a rage—at last it is the edict of a god. Endowed with such vital energy, astronomical truth has cut its way through the thick darkness of superstitious times, and, cheered by its conquests, Geology will find the same open path when it has triumphed over the less formidable obstacles of a civilized age.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Conflict of Science and Religion, David Brewster, 1845
Scientific truth persists despite opposition, eventually illuminating and transforming belief.
In simple terms: Truth endures and shines.
Key Takeaway
Embrace evidence despite resistance.
Themes
science
truth
perseverance
Mood
reflective
hopeful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- public policy
- education reform
Key Concepts
philosophy of science
epistemology
religious conflict
Questions to Reflect On
- How does resistance shape discovery?
- What role should belief play in science?
A Different Perspective
Opposition can delay progress.
![“There exists indeed an opposition to it [ building of UVA, Jefferson's secular college ] by the friends of William and Mary, which is not strong. The most restive is that of the priests of the different religious sects, who dread the advance of science as witches do the approach of day-light; and…” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/74e/thomas-jefferson-43_clergy_there-exists-indeed-an-opposition-to-it_137072.jpg)
