Esteem Quote by William James
“Our esteem for facts has not neutralized in us all religiousness. It is itself almost religious. Our scientific temper is devout.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Will to Believe, 1896
The author suggests that modern scientific thinking has become a kind of faith, treating facts with a religious reverence.
In simple terms: Science can act like a religion, worshipping facts.
Key Takeaway
Question the assumptions behind scientific certainty.
Themes
philosophy
science
faith
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic discourse
- public policy
- education
- media critique
Key Concepts
epistemology
scientific temper
religious metaphor
Questions to Reflect On
- What are the limits of treating facts as sacred?
- How can we balance skepticism with trust in science?
A Different Perspective
It may overlook the provisional nature of scientific knowledge.
