Art Quote by William Symington
““To conclude this: As when a man comes into a palace, built according to the exactest rule of art, and with an unexceptionable conveniency for the inhabitants, he would acknowledge both the being and skill of the builder; so whosoever shall observe the disposition of all the parts of the world, their connection, comeliness, the variety of seasons, the swarms of different creatures, and the mutual offices they render to one another, cannot conclude less, than that it was contrived by an infinite skill, effected by infinite power, and governed by infinite wisdom. None can imagine a ship to be orderly conducted without a pilot; nor the parts of the world to perform their several functions without a wise guide; considering the members of the body cannot perform theirs, without the active presence of the soul. The atheist, then, is a fool to deny that which every creature in his constitution asserts, and thereby renders himself unable to give a satisfactory account of that constant uniformity in the motions of the creatures.””
About This Quote
Source Treatise: The Nature of the World, 1805
Observing the order and interdependence of nature reveals an intelligent, powerful, and wise creator; denying this undermines the evident harmony of existence.
In simple terms: Nature’s order points to a wise creator.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the evidence of design in the world.
Themes
philosophy
theology
nature
order
design
Mood
reflective
inquisitive
serious
Type
philosophical
theological
When to use this quote
- studying ecosystems
- contemplating the cosmos
- debating atheism
- teaching philosophy
Key Concepts
Intelligent design
causality
interdependence
Questions to Reflect On
- How does observed order influence your belief in a higher power?
- Can natural explanations fully account for complexity?
A Different Perspective
Counterpoint: Complex natural processes can be explained by natural laws without invoking a deity.
