Science operates in the natural, not the supernatural. In fact, I go so far as to state that there is no such thing as the supernatural or the paranormal.
Michael ShermerRead
But because we live in an age of science, we have a preoccupation with corroborating our myths.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the tension between scientific reasoning and traditional beliefs or myths.
Michael Shermer's quote reflects on the modern era's reliance on science and the necessity to validate our longstanding beliefs or myths through empirical evidence. It suggests that while science provides clarity, it also challenges the narratives we've accepted for centuries, prompting a reevaluation of what we consider true or valuable in our understanding of the world.
Themes
ScienceMythBeliefTruthCorroboration
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a discussion about the role of science in society during a panel on modern myths.
More from Michael Shermer
All quotes βSmart people believe weird things because they are skilled at defending beliefs they arrived at for non-smart reasons.
Michael ShermerRead
Being deeply knowledgeable on one subject narrows one's focus and increases confidence, but it also blurs dissenting views until they are no longer visible, thereby transforming data collection into bias confirmation and morphing self-deception into self-assurance.
Michael ShermerRead
How can we find spiritual meaning in a scientific worldview? Spirituality is a way of being in the world, a sense of oneβs place in the cosmos, a relationship to that which extends beyond oneself. . . . Does scientific explanation of the world diminish its spiritual beauty? I think not. Science and spirituality are complementary, not conflicting; additive, not detractive. Anything that generates a sense of awe may be a source of spirituality. Science does this in spades. (158-159)
Michael ShermerRead
Iβm a skeptic not because I do not want to believe, but because I want to know.
Michael ShermerRead
My libertarian beliefs have not always served me well. Like most people who hold strong ideological convictions, I find that, too often, my beliefs trump the scientific facts.
Michael ShermerRead
Similar quotes
[A]ll knowledge is one. When a light brightens and illuminates a corner of a room, it adds to the general illumination of the entire room. Over and over again, scientific discoveries have provided answers to problems that had no apparent connection with the phenomena that gave rise to the discovery.
Isaac AsimovRead
The most complex object in the known universe: brain, only uses 20 watts of power. It would require a nuclear power plant to energize a computer the size of a city block to mimic your brain, and your brain does it with just 20 watts. So if someone calls you a dim bulb, that's a compliment.
Michio KakuRead
We have found a strange footprint on the shores of the unknown.
Arthur EddingtonRead
There are three stages in scientific discovery. First, people deny that it is true, then they deny that it is important; finally they credit the wrong person.
Bill BrysonRead
Basic research is what I am doing when I don't know what I am doing.
Wernher Von BraunRead
Most institutions demand unqualified faith; but the institution of science makes skepticism a virtue.
Robert K. MertonRead