Incapacity Quote by Georg C. Lichtenberg
“So-called professional mathematicians have, in their reliance on the relative incapacity of the rest of mankind, acquired for themselves a reputation for profundity very similar to the reputation for sanctity possessed by theologians.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Philosophical Reflections, 1765
Mathematicians claim deep insight by highlighting others' limits, similar to theologians' claim of sanctity.
In simple terms: Mathematicians boast by belittling others.
Key Takeaway
Question intellectual arrogance.
Themes
intellectual humility
critique
science vs faith
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
satirical
When to use this quote
- academic discourse
- public debates
- education curricula
Key Concepts
epistemology
social dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do experts feel need to assert superiority?
- Can collaboration replace competition?
A Different Perspective
Such comparisons can create unnecessary division.
![“Sure, some [teachers] could give the standard limit definitions, but they [the students] clearly did not understand the definitions - and it would be a remarkable student who did, since it took mathematicians a couple of thousand years to sort out the notion of a limit, and I think most of us who…” quote by Keith Devlin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bfe/keith-devlin-19829_couple_sure-some-teachers-could-give-the-standa_2383287.jpg)
![“[The Community's] crosses and trials give me confidence. But I derive my hope above all, and most especially, from our utter incapacity, for it is always upon nothingness that God is pleased to rear His works. If at any day we accomplish some good here, the glory will certainly be His alone, since…” quote by Theodore Guerin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2b8/theodore-guerin-54729_accomplish_the-community-s-crosses-and-trials-give_7176.jpg)
