--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I don't myself think much of science as a…" description: "\"“I don't myself think much of science as a phase of human development. It has given us a lot of ingenious toys; they take our attention away from the r..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/987/willa-cather-634_easter-sunday_i-don-t-myself-think-much-of-science-as_1002952.png" --- # I don't myself think much of science as a phase of human… ![“I don't myself think much of science as a phase of human development. It has given us a lot of ingenious toys; they take our attention away from the real problems, of course, and since the problems are insoluble, I suppose we ought to be grateful for distraction. But the fact is, the human mind…” quote by Willa Cather](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/987/willa-cather-634_easter-sunday_i-don-t-myself-think-much-of-science-as_1002952.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/987/willa-cather-634_easter-sunday_i-don-t-myself-think-much-of-science-as_1002952.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/987/willa-cather-634_easter-sunday_i-don-t-myself-think-much-of-science-as_1002952.png) > ““I don't myself think much of science as a phase of human development. It has given us a lot of ingenious toys; they take our attention away from the real problems, of course, and since the problems are insoluble, I suppose we ought to be grateful for distraction. But the fact is, the human mind, the individual mind, has always been made more interesting by dwelling on the old riddles, even if it makes nothing of them. Science hasn't given us any new amazements, except of the superficial kind we get from witnessing dexterity and sleight-of-hand. It hasn't given us any richer pleasures, as the Renaissance did, nor any new sins-not one! Indeed, it takes our old ones away. It's the laboratory, not the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sins of the world. You'll agree there is not much thrill about a physiological sin. We were better off when even the prosaic matter of taking nourishment could have the magnificence of a sin. I don't think you help people by making their conduct of no importance-you impoverish them. As long as every man and woman who crowded into the cathedrals on Easter Sunday was a principal in a gorgeous drama with God, glittering angels on one side and the shadows of evil coming and going on the other, life was a rich thing. The king and the beggar had the same chance at miracles and great temptations and revelations. And that's what makes men happy, believing in the mystery and importance of their own little individual lives. It makes us happy to surround our creature needs and bodily instincts with as much pomp and circumstance as possible. Art and religion (they are the same thing, in the end, of course) have given man the only happiness he has ever had.”” [Willa Cather](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/willa-cather/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The author critiques modern science as a distraction from deeper, timeless human concerns, suggesting that art and religion provide true fulfillment. **In simple terms:** Science distracts from deeper meaning; art and religion fulfill. Key Takeaway Prioritize pursuits that nurture the soul over mere technical marvels. Themes philosophy critique of science art vs. religion Mood contemplative balanced Type philosophical cultural spiritual When to use this quote - career choices - educational focus - spiritual practice Key Concepts meaning fulfillment human purpose Questions to Reflect On - How can we integrate scientific curiosity with artistic and spiritual growth? - What role should technology play in our search for meaning? A Different Perspective Science also offers genuine insights and progress; balance is needed. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Easter sunday](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/easter-sunday/) [Help people](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/help-people/) [Human development](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/human-development/) [Human mind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/human-mind/) [Man and woman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/man-and-woman/) [Psychology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/psychology/) [Science](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/science/) ## Related quotes > [I like people with depth, I like people with emotio, I like people witha strin mind and interesting mind and also someone that can…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tamika-leeigh/i-like-people-with-depth-i-like-people-with-emotio-i-like-people/) [Tamika-leeigh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tamika-leeigh/) > [The life of the mind is always more interesting than the real. 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But the fact is, the human mind, the individual mind, has always been made more interesting by dwelling on the old riddles, even if it makes nothing of them. Science hasn't given us any new amazements, except of the superficial kind we get from witnessing dexterity and sleight-of-hand. It hasn't given us any richer pleasures, as the Renaissance did, nor any new sins-not one! Indeed, it takes our old ones away. It's the laboratory, not the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sins of the world. You'll agree there is not much thrill about a physiological sin. We were better off when even the prosaic matter of taking nourishment could have the magnificence of a sin. I don't think you help people by making their conduct of no importance-you impoverish them. As long as every man and woman who crowded into the cathedrals on Easter Sunday was a principal in a gorgeous drama with God, glittering angels on one side and the shadows of evil coming and going on the other, life was a rich thing. 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