Do not imagine that mathematics is hard and crabbed, and repulsive to common sense. It is merely the etherealization of common sense.
Lord KelvinRead
Let nobody be afraid of true freedom of thought. Let us be free in thought and criticism; but, with freedom, we are bound to come to the conclusion that science is not antagonistic to religion, but a help to it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True freedom of thought encourages open-mindedness and reflection, revealing the harmony between science and religion.
In this quote, Lord Kelvin emphasizes the importance of embracing true freedom of thought, allowing for critical discourse without fear. He argues that science should not be seen as opposing religion, but rather as a supportive framework that can enhance religious understanding and belief.
Themes
FreedomThoughtScienceReligionTruth
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion on the compatibility of faith and reason, one might quote this to illustrate the importance of open-minded thinking.
More from Lord Kelvin
All quotes →We only know God in His works, but we are forced by science to admit and to believe with absolute confidence in a Directive Power-in an influence other than physical, or dynamical, or electrical forces.
Lord KelvinRead
In science there is only physics; all the rest is stamp collecting.
Lord KelvinRead
There is nothing new to be discovered in physics now. All that remains is more and more precise measurement.
Lord KelvinRead
I need scarcely say that the beginning and maintenance of life on earth is absolutely and infinitely beyond the range of all sound speculation in dynamical science. The only contribution of dynamics to theoretical biology is absolute negation of automatic commencement or automatic maintenance of life.
Lord KelvinRead
Science is bound, by the everlasting vow of honour, to face fearlessly every problem which can be fairly presented to it.
Lord KelvinRead
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