Atheism Quote by David Brooks
“To explain the unknown by the known is a logical procedure; to explain the known by the unknown is a form of theological lunacy.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The New York Times, 2018
Explaining known concepts with unknown terms is irrational; the reverse is theological nonsense.
In simple terms: Use familiar ideas to explain new ones, not vice versa.
Key Takeaway
Explain new ideas using known language.
Themes
communication
logic
theology
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- teaching
- public speaking
- writing
- debates
Key Concepts
epistemology
rhetoric
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance clarity and depth?
- When is new language necessary?
A Different Perspective
Complex ideas may need new terminology for precision.
