Atoms Quote by Marcellin Berthelot
“I do not want chemistry to degenerate into a religion; I do not want the chemist to believe in the existence of atoms as the Christian believes in the existence of Christ in the communion wafer.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The History of Chemistry, 1900
Criticizes treating scientific concepts as faith, urging evidence‑based belief over dogma.
In simple terms: Science should stay empirical, not become belief.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions, demand proof.
Themes
science
philosophy
skepticism
Mood
critical
inquisitive
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- laboratory research
- education
- public policy
- science communication
Key Concepts
empiricism
ontology
faith vs evidence
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence would convince you of atoms?
- How do you balance faith and proof in science?
A Different Perspective
Risk of dismissing useful models if too skeptical.
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