Chimera Quote by Denis Diderot
“If reason be a gift of Heaven, and we can say as much of faith, Heaven has certainly made us two gifts not only incompatible, but in direct contradiction to each other. In order to solve the difficulty, we are compelled to say either that faith is a chimera or that reason is useless.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Philosophical Reflections on Reason and Faith, 1765
Reason and faith are presented as contradictory gifts, forcing a choice between seeing faith as illusion or reason as futile.
In simple terms: Reason and faith clash, demanding a decision.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the tension and seek integration.
Themes
philosophy
faith
reason
conflict
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- personal belief crises
- academic debates
- ethical decision‑making
Key Concepts
epistemology
theology
dialectic
Questions to Reflect On
- Can reason and faith be reconciled?
- What role does each play in moral judgment?
A Different Perspective
Both can coexist without negating each other.
