Man makes holy what he believes as he makes beautiful what he loves.
Ernest RenanRead
None of the miracles with which ancient histories are filled, occurred under scientific conditions. Observation never once contradicted, teaches us that miracles occur only in periods and countries in which they are believed in and before persons disposed to believe in them.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that miracles are culturally and contextually bound to the beliefs of people and do not happen under scientific scrutiny.
Ernest Renan's quote reflects on the nature of miracles and how they are often perceived through the lens of cultural beliefs. He asserts that historical accounts of miraculous events are only valid in contexts where belief in such phenomena is prevalent, implying that scientific observation, which requires skepticism and rationality, does not support the claim of genuine miracles. The idea is that miracles thrive in an atmosphere of faith and are rejected by a rational, scientific approach.
Themes
MiraclesBeliefScienceCultureSkepticism
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a philosophy class discussion about the intersection of science and religion.
More from Ernest Renan
All quotes →Forgetfulness, and I would even say historical error, are essential in the creation of a nation.
Ernest RenanRead
When people complain of life, it is almost always because they have asked impossible things of it.
Ernest RenanRead
He whom God has touched will always be a being apart: he is, whatever he may do, a stranger among men; he is marked by a sign.
Ernest RenanRead
Let us remember that sorrow alone is the creator of great things.
Ernest RenanRead
The talent of historians lies in their creating a true ensemble out of facts which are but half true.
Ernest RenanRead
Similar quotes
The bond between a man and his profession is similar to that which ties him to his country; it is just as complex, often ambivalent, and in general it is understood completely only when it is broken: by exile or emigration in the case of one's country, by retirement in the case of a trade or profession.
Primo LeviRead
Regarded zoologically, man is today an almost isolated figure in nature. In his cradle, he was less isolated.
Pierre Teilhard De ChardinRead
The one help we all need is given to us freely though the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Having faith in Jesus Christ and In His Atonement means relying completely on Him-trusting in His infinite power, intelligence, and love.
Dieter F. UchtdorfRead
If the whole responsibility is thrown upon our own shoulders, we shall be at our highest and best; when we have nobody to grope towards, no devil to lay our blame upon, no Personal God to carry our burdens, when we are alone responsible, then we shall rise to our highest and best. I am responsible for my fate, I am the bringer of good unto myself, I am the bringer of evil.
Swami VivekanandaRead
Lamps are different, but light is the same.
RumiRead
There must be another life, she thought, sinking back into her chair, exasperated. Not in dreams; but here and now, in this room, with living people. She felt as if she were standing on the edge of a precipice with her hair blown back; she was about to grasp something that just evaded her. There must be another life, here and now, she repeated. This is too short, too broken. We know nothing, even about ourselves.
Virginia WoolfRead