Those whose thinking is disciplined by science, like all others, need a basis for the good life, for aspiration, for courage to do great deeds. They need a faith to live by. The hope of the world lies in those who have such faith and who use the methods of science to make their visions become real. Such visions and hope and faith are not a part of science.
Interpretation
Scientific thinking requires a foundation of faith and hope for achieving greatness and purpose in life.
In this quote, Arthur Compton emphasizes the idea that while scientific thinking is essential for understanding the world, it is not sufficient on its own to inspire people to aspire or take courageous actions. Compton argues that individuals need a belief system—a faith—in order to ground their ambitions and to transform their visions into reality. Thus, the integration of science with hope and faith becomes crucial for the progress and betterment of society.
In practice
In a motivational speech about the importance of combining scientific inquiry with personal values.
The scientist who recognizes God knows only the God of Newton. To him the God imagined by Laplace and Comte is wholly inadequate. He feels that God is in nature, that the orderly ways in which nature works are themselves the manifestations of God's will and purpose. Its laws are his orderly way of working.
Yet is it possible in terms of the motion of atoms to explain how men can invent an electric motor, or design and build a great cathedral? If such achievements represent anything more than the requirements of physical law, it means that science must investigate the additional controlling factors, whatever they may be, in order that the world of nature may be adequately understood.
Some of the best people that ever lived have been as destitute as I am; and if you are a Christian, you ought not to consider poverty a crime.
Never take over the world to tamper with it. Those who want to tamper with it are not fit to take over the world.
Intuitive versus analytical? That's a foolish choice. It's foolish, just like trying to choose between being realistic or idealistic. You need both in life.
It seems to me that we often commit ourselves wholly to something while knowing almost nothing concrete about it. Another word for that, I suppose, is 'faith.'
You're born naked, and the rest is drag! EVERYBODY is in drag. Whether you're a man or a woman. It just depends on how extreme you wanna go.
The antidote to this abuse of formal Government, is, the influence of private character, the growth of the Individual.
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