Authority Quote by Nicolaus Copernicus
“If there should chance to be any mathematicians who, ignorant in mathematics yet pretending to skill in that science, should dare, upon the authority of some passage of Scripture wrested to their purpose, to condemn and censure my hypothesis, I value them not, and scorn their inconsiderate judgement. De Revolutionibus Coelestibus”
About This Quote
Criticizing ideas without proper knowledge, especially using misinterpreted authority, is unjust; true evaluation requires understanding and humility.
In simple terms: Don’t judge without knowing.
Key Takeaway
Seek knowledge before criticism.
Themes
science
authority
humility
criticism
knowledge
Mood
skeptical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
academic
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- policy making
- public discourse
- education
Key Concepts
epistemology
skepticism
intellectual honesty
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence would change your view?
- How do you verify authority claims?
A Different Perspective
Misinterpretation of texts can still be persuasive to some audiences.
![“There are four great sciences, without which the other sciences cannot be known nor a knowledge of things secured ... Of these sciences the gate and key is mathematics ... He who is ignorant of this [mathematics] cannot know the other sciences nor the affairs of this world.” quote by Roger Bacon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/555/roger-bacon-15067_affair_there-are-four-great-sciences-without-wh_575596.jpg)
![“The rationale which accompanies that imposition of male authority euphemistically referred to as 'the battle of the sexes' bears a certain resemblance to the formulas of nations at war, where any heinousness is justified on the grounds that the enemy is either an inferior [part of the] species or…” quote by Kate Millett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/895/kate-millett-7301_accompany_the-rationale-which-accompanies-that-imp_8896.jpg)