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I assert that the cosmic religious experience is the strongest and the noblest driving force behind scientific research.
Albert Einstein
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Einstein emphasizes the profound connection between spirituality and scientific inquiry.

In this quote, Albert Einstein argues that the cosmic religious experience, which evokes feelings of wonder and awe about the universe, serves as a powerful motivation for scientific exploration. He suggests that the search for understanding the fundamental laws of nature is driven not only by curiosity but also by a deep sense of reverence and responsibility toward the universe, highlighting the interconnectedness of science and spirituality.

Themes

ScienceReligionCosmicExperienceScientific Research

In practice

Example use cases

In a lecture about the importance of inspiration in scientific discoveries.

More from Albert Einstein

I cannot then believe in this concept of an anthropomorphic God who has the powers of interfering with these natural laws. As I said before, the most beautiful and most profound religious emotion that we can experience is the sensation of the mystical. And this mysticality is the power of all true science.
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If I would follow your advice and Jesus could perceive it, he, as a Jewish teacher, surely would not approve of such behavior.
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I want to know all Gods thoughts; all the rest are just details.
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To me the worst thing seems to be a school principally to work with methods of fear, force and artificial authority. Such treatment destroys the sound sentiments, the sincerity and the self-confidence of pupils and produces a subservient subject.
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