Never increase, beyond what is necessary, the number of entities required to explain anything.
William Of OckhamRead
God's existence cannot be deduced by reason alone.
Interpretation
The existence of God cannot be proven merely through logical reasoning.
William of Ockham suggests that rational thought and logical deduction are insufficient to establish the existence of God. This implies a limit to human understanding and reasoning in spiritual matters, indicating that faith or personal experience might play a significant role in such beliefs.
In practice
During a philosophical debate on the nature of belief and existence.
Never increase, beyond what is necessary, the number of entities required to explain anything.
Of two equivalent theories or explanations, all other things being equal, the simpler one is to be preferred.
It is vain to do with more what can be done with less.
Balk the enemy's power; force him to reveal himself.
I'd rather there wasn't an afterlife, really. I'd much rather not be me for thousands of years.
It is often argued that religion is valuable because it makes men good, but even if this were true it would not be a proof that religion is true. That would be an extension of pragmatism beyond endurance. Santa Claus makes children good in precisely the same way, and yet no one would argue seriously that the fact proves his existence. The defense of religion is full of such logical imbecilities.
Since the world has existed, there has been injustice. But it is one world, the more so as it becomes smaller, more accessible. There is just no question that there is more obligation that those who have should give to those who have nothing.
What hands are here? ha! they pluck out mine eyes! Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood clean from my hand? No; this my hand will rather the multitudinous seas incarnadine, making the green one red.” “My hands are of your colour; but I shame to wear a heart so white. A little water clears us of this deed: How easy it is then! Your constancy hath left you unattended.
While sin is overflowing, [grace] pours itself forth so exuberantly, that it not only overcomes the flood of sin, but wholly absorbs it.
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