--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: All our scientific and philosophic ideals…" description: "\"All our scientific and philosophic ideals are altars to unknown gods.\" — William James" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b09/william-james-228_altars_all-our-scientific-and-philosophic-ideal_2619964.png" --- # All our scientific and philosophic ideals are altars to… ![“All our scientific and philosophic ideals are altars to unknown gods.” quote by William James](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b09/william-james-228_altars_all-our-scientific-and-philosophic-ideal_2619964.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b09/william-james-228_altars_all-our-scientific-and-philosophic-ideal_2619964.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b09/william-james-228_altars_all-our-scientific-and-philosophic-ideal_2619964.png) > “All our scientific and philosophic ideals are altars to unknown gods.” [William James](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-james/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Human ideals act as altars, offering reverence to unknown forces. **In simple terms:** Ideals are like altars. Key Takeaway Question what you venerate. Themes philosophy spirituality idealism Mood contemplative introspective Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - academic discourse - personal belief systems Key Concepts pragmatism existentialism Questions to Reflect On - What are your modern altars? - How do ideals guide actions? 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