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Agnosticism Quote by Friedrich Engels

“Thus, as far as he is a scientific man, as far as he knows anything, he is a materialist; outside his science, in spheres about which he knows nothing, he translates his ignorance into Greek and calls it agnosticism.” quote by Friedrich Engels
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““Thus, as far as he is a scientific man, as far as he knows anything, he is a materialist; outside his science, in spheres about which he knows nothing, he translates his ignorance into Greek and calls it agnosticism.””

Friedrich Engels

About This Quote

A scientific person may be materialist in known fields, but in unknown realms they hide ignorance behind agnosticism, turning uncertainty into a label.

In simple terms: Scientists can claim certainty in known areas but hide ignorance elsewhere.

Key Takeaway

Recognize limits of knowledge.

Themes

knowledge ignorance skepticism philosophy

Mood

critical thoughtful analytical

Type

philosophical skeptical

When to use this quote

  • research
  • public discourse
  • education
  • policy making

Key Concepts

materialism agnosticism intellectual humility

Questions to Reflect On

  • What areas do we label as unknowable?
  • How can we better acknowledge uncertainty?
A Different Perspective

May oversimplify complex unknowns.

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