Appeals Quote by Richard Lewontin
“To appeal to an omnipotent deity is to allow that at any moment the regularities of nature may be ruptured, that miracles may happen.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Role of Miracles in Science” by Richard Lewontin, 1998
Appealing to an all‑powerful deity suggests that natural laws can be broken, allowing miracles, which challenges scientific predictability.
In simple terms: Belief in miracles implies nature can be interrupted.
Recognize limits of predictability; stay open to the unexpected.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- medical breakthroughs
- technological failures
- personal crises
- spiritual experiences
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When do you accept uncertainty?
- How do you balance faith with evidence?
Relying on miracles can undermine empirical inquiry and responsibility.