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Men think epilepsy divine, merely because they do not understand it. We will one day understand what causes it, and then cease to call it divine. And so it is with everything in the universe.
Hippocrates
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Interpretation

What this quote means

People often attribute divine qualities to what they do not understand, but with knowledge, such notions will fade.

This quote by Hippocrates suggests that many phenomena are mistakenly viewed as supernatural simply because they are not understood by people at that time. As knowledge and scientific understanding grow, beliefs in the divine nature of certain events—such as epilepsy—will diminish, revealing a more rational explanation for those occurrences. This cycle applies to all aspects of the universe, where ignorance breeds myth, and understanding leads to clarity.

Themes

EpilepsyKnowledgeUnderstandingScienceDivine

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech discussing the role of science in society, this quote could emphasize the importance of education in dispelling myths.

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The art is long, life is short
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That which is used - develops. That which is not used wastes away.
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Cure sometimes, treat often, comfort always.
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Wine is an appropriate article for mankind, both for the healthy body and for the ailing man.
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Walking is man's best medicine.
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