Science Quote by Karl Jaspers
““The limits of science have always been the source of bitter disappointment when people expected something from science that it was not able to provide. Take the following examples: a man without faith seeking to find in science a substitute for his faith on which to build his life; a man unsatisfied by philosophy seeking an all-embracing universal truth in science; a spiritually shallow person growing aware of his own futility in the course of engaging in the endless reflections imposed by science. In every one of these cases, science begins as an object of blind idolatry and ends up as an object of hatred and contempt. Disenchantment inevitably follows upon these and similar misconceptions. One question remains: What value can science possibly have when its limitations have become so painfully clear?””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Lecture on Science and Faith, 1960s
Science cannot fulfill existential or spiritual needs; its limits cause disappointment when people expect it to replace faith or philosophy.
In simple terms: Science has limits and cannot answer all life questions.
Key Takeaway
Recognize science’s scope and seek meaning elsewhere.
Themes
science
philosophy
faith
disappointment
human limits
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
philosophical
Type
analytical
inquisitive
When to use this quote
- personal crisis
- religious questioning
- academic discourse
- public skepticism
- policy making
Key Concepts
epistemology
existentialism
nihilism
Questions to Reflect On
- What role should science play in personal meaning?
- Can faith and science coexist without conflict?
A Different Perspective
Science alone cannot satisfy all human yearning; other domains are needed.
