Existence Quote by Jack London
““On Religion and Science: "You cannot answer Berkeley, even if you have annihilated Kant, and yet, perforce, you assume that Berkeley is wrong when you affirm that science proves the non-existence of God, or, as much to the point, the existence of matter–You know I granted the reality of matter only in order to make myself intelligible to your understanding. Be positive scientists, if you please; but ontology has no place in positive science, so leave it alone…””
About This Quote
Source Speech: On Religion and Science, 1905
The speaker argues that scientific inquiry should not claim to resolve metaphysical questions about God or matter, as ontology lies outside empirical science.
In simple terms: Science can't prove or disprove God; keep philosophy separate.
Key Takeaway
Separate scientific work from metaphysical claims.
Themes
science
philosophy
ontology
religion
epistemology
Mood
thoughtful
critical
inquisitive
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- public lectures
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
empiricism
metaphysics
skepticism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we distinguish empirical evidence from metaphysical belief?
- Can science ever be truly value‑free?
A Different Perspective
Science cannot address ultimate existence claims; it only describes observable phenomena.
![“Religion and natural science are fighting a joint battle in an incessant, never relaxing crusade against skepticism and against dogmatism, against unbelief and superstition... [and therefore] 'On to God!” quote by Max Planck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a09/max-planck-8715_natural-science_religion-and-natural-science-are-fightin_686420.jpg)
