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How can we find spiritual meaning in a scientific worldview? Spirituality is a way of being in the world, a sense of one’s place in the cosmos, a relationship to that which extends beyond oneself. . . . Does scientific explanation of the world diminish its spiritual beauty? I think not. Science and spirituality are complementary, not conflicting; additive, not detractive. Anything that generates a sense of awe may be a source of spirituality. Science does this in spades. (158-159)
Michael Shermer
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote suggests that spirituality and science can coexist and complement each other, enriching our understanding of the universe.

Michael Shermer posits that spirituality and a scientific worldview are not in conflict but rather enhance one another. He argues that the scientific exploration of the cosmos can evoke a sense of wonder and awe that contributes to one's spiritual experience. By indicating that science can generate feelings typically associated with spirituality, Shermer concludes that both realms together can enhance our comprehension of existence rather than detract from it.

Themes

SpiritualityScienceMeaningCosmosAwe

In practice

Example use cases

During a discussion on the intersection of faith and reason, one might reference this quote.

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