Ancient Quote by Thomas Merton
“It is true that neither the ancient wisdoms nor the modern sciences are complete in themselves. They do not stand alone. They call for one another. Wisdom without science is unable to penetrate the full sapiential meaning of the created and the material cosmos. Science without wisdom leaves man enslaved to a world of unrelated objects in which there is no way of discovering (or creating) order and deep significance in man's own pointless existence. (p. 4)”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Seven Storey Mountain (or similar), Thomas Merton, 1948
Wisdom and science must complement each other; alone they are incomplete, and together they give meaning to existence.
In simple terms: Science and wisdom together give purpose.
Key Takeaway
Integrate knowledge and insight for a fuller life.
Themes
knowledge
spirituality
integration
Mood
reflective
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- education
- research
- personal development
- ethical decision making
Key Concepts
epistemology
holism
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you combine science and wisdom?
- What happens when one dominates the other?
A Different Perspective
Balancing both can be challenging in practice.
