Aberration Quote by George Sarton
“Hellenic science is a victory of rationalism, which appears greater, not smaller, when one is made to realize that it had been won in spite of the irrational beliefs of the Greek people; all in all, it was a triumph of reason in the face of unreason. Some knowledge of Greek superstitions is needed not only for a proper appreciation of that triumph but also for the justification of occasional failures, such as the many Platonic aberrations.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Introduction to the History of Science, 1938
Greek science succeeded despite popular irrational beliefs, showing reason can triumph over superstition, though occasional errors occur.
In simple terms: Reason can win over superstition.
Key Takeaway
Study history of science.
Themes
science
reason
history
superstition
Mood
reflective
inquisitive
Type
historical
analytical
When to use this quote
- education curricula
- public discourse
- scientific research
- cultural analysis
Key Concepts
rational triumph
cultural conflict
intellectual progress
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do irrational beliefs persist?
- How can we balance respect for tradition with scientific progress?
A Different Perspective
Even rational societies retain irrational elements.
![“[Dr. Constain James] refuted so well the aberrations of Darwinism… [A system] which is repugnant at once to history, to the tradition of all people, to exact science, to observed facts, and even to reason itself, would seem to need no refutation. But the corruption of this age, the machinations of…” quote by Pope Pius IX](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/927/pope-pius-ix-26903_aberration_dr-constain-james-refuted-so-well-the-ab_292056.jpg)
