Faith Quote by Leo Tolstoy
““You do not admit the conceivability at all?' he queried. 'But why not? We admit the existence of electricity, of which we know nothing. Why should there not be some new force, still unknown to us, which...' 'When electricity was discovered,' Levin interrupted hurriedly, 'it was only the phenomenon that was discovered, and it was unknown from what it proceeded and what were its effects, and ages passed before its applications were conceived. But the spiritualists have begun with tables writing for them, and spirits appearing to them, and have only later started saying that it is an unknown force.' Vronsky listened attentively to Levin, as he always did listen, obviously interested in his words. 'Yes, but the spiritualists say we don't know at present what this force is, but there is a force, and these are the conditions in which it acts. Let the scientific men find out what the force consists in. Not, I don't see why there should not be a new force, if it...' 'Why, because with electricity,' Levin interrupted again, 'every time you rub tar against wool, a recognized phenomenon is manifested, but in this case it does not happen every time, and so it follows it is not a natural phenomenon.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy, 1877
The dialogue questions that limits of scientific knowledge, urging openness to unseen forces while cautioning against unverified claims.
In simple terms: Science may not yet know everything, but we should be skeptical of unproven ideas.
Remain curious but demand evidence.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- philosophical discussion
- teaching
- public lectures
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence would convince you of a new force?
- How do we balance openness with rigor?
Scientific claims require empirical support before acceptance.