---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: From religion comes a man's purpose; from…"
description: "\"From religion comes a man's purpose; from science, his power to achieve it. Sometimes people ask if religion and science are not opposed to one another..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7f5/william-henry-bragg-34146_achieve_from-religion-comes-a-man-s-purpose-from_3088392.jpg"
---

#  From religion comes a man's purpose; from science, his…

![“From religion comes a man's purpose; from science, his power to achieve it. Sometimes people ask if religion and science are not opposed to one another. They are: in the sense that the thumb and fingers of my hands are opposed to one another. It is an opposition by means of which anything can be…” quote by William Henry Bragg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7f5/william-henry-bragg-34146_achieve_from-religion-comes-a-man-s-purpose-from_3088392.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7f5/william-henry-bragg-34146_achieve_from-religion-comes-a-man-s-purpose-from_3088392.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7f5/william-henry-bragg-34146_achieve_from-religion-comes-a-man-s-purpose-from_3088392.jpg)

> “From religion comes a man's purpose; from science, his power to achieve it. Sometimes people ask if religion and science are not opposed to one another. They are: in the sense that the thumb and fingers of my hands are opposed to one another. It is an opposition by means of which anything can be grasped.”

[William Henry Bragg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-henry-bragg/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Bragg likens religion and science to opposing fingers that together enable grasping, showing they complement each other rather than conflict.

**In simple terms:** Religion and science are opposing forces that together allow understanding.

Key Takeaway

Recognize both faith and reason as complementary tools.

Themes

faith reason complementarity

Mood

thoughtful inquisitive

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

- education
- ethical decision making
- personal purpose
- public policy

Key Concepts

epistemology philosophy integration

Questions to Reflect On

- How can you balance faith and reason in daily life?
- What tensions exist between belief and evidence?

A Different Perspective

It may simplify complex interactions, ignoring conflicts that arise.

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