Quote by Thomas Merton

It is true that neither the ancient wisdoms nor the modern sciences are complete in themselves. They do not stand alone. They call for one another. Wisdom without science is unable to penetrate the full sapiential meaning of the created and the material cosmos. Science without wisdom leaves man enslaved to a world of unrelated objects in which there is no way of discovering (or creating) order and deep significance in man's own pointless existence. (p. 4)


It is true that neither the ancient wisdoms nor the modern s

Summary

This quote emphasizes the interdependence of ancient wisdom and modern sciences. It suggests that relying solely on either one is insufficient to gain a complete understanding of the world. Wisdom, in this context, represents knowledge gained from introspection and cultural traditions, while science refers to empirical and analytical approaches. The quote argues that without the wisdom's insightful perspective, science alone can lead to a fragmented understanding, leaving humans trapped in a purposeless existence. Conversely, without the scientific method, wisdom lacks the ability to fully grasp the intricacies and meaningfulness of the created world.

Topics

Science
By Thomas Merton
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