Accepting Quote by Stuart Kauffman
“Yet what is more awesome: to believe that God created everything in six days, or to believe that the biosphere came into being on its own, with no creator, and partially lawlessly? I find the latter proposition so stunning, so worthy of awe and respect, that I am happy to accept this natural creativity in the universe as a reinvention of 'God.'”
About This Quote
The quote contrasts belief in a creator with belief in a self‑organizing biosphere, finding awe in natural creativity as a form of “God.”
In simple terms: Natural processes can inspire reverence like a deity.
Key Takeaway
Appreciate the wonder of self‑emerging complexity.
Themes
science
spirituality
wonder
Mood
thoughtful
inspirational
Type
reflective
reverent
When to use this quote
- education
- public talks
- personal reflection
- creative work
Key Concepts
complex systems
evolution
philosophy of religion
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you define “God” in scientific terms?
- What role does awe play in belief?
A Different Perspective
It may conflate scientific and religious language.
![“[Religious belief is] outmoded and ridiculous. [Belief in gods was a] worn out but once useful crutch in mankind's journey towards truth. We consider the time has come for that crutch to be abandoned. It is a vacuous answer... To say that 'God made the world' is simply a more or less sophisticated…” quote by P.W. Atkins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4df/p-w-atkins-58341_answers_religious-belief-is-outmoded-and-ridicul_151446.jpg)
