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Religions are tough. Either they make no contentions which are subject to disproof or they quickly redesign doctrine after disproof. ... near the core of the religious experience is something remarkably resistant to rational inquiry.
Carl Sagan
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote reflects on the nature of religious beliefs and their resilience against rational scrutiny.

Carl Sagan's insight reveals the tension between religious doctrines and rationality, suggesting that faith often stands firm against empirical challenge. He argues that religions either avoid falsifiable claims or adapt swiftly when proven wrong, highlighting an intrinsic aspect of spirituality that resists logical examination.

Themes

ReligionFaithRationalityBeliefDoctrine

In practice

Example use cases

In a philosophical debate about the validity of religious beliefs.

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The simplest thought, like the concept of the number one, has an elaborate logical underpinning.
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