Science has to be understood in its broadest sense, as a method for apprehending all observable reality, and not merely as an instrument for acquiring specialized knowledge.
Alexis CarrelRead
Those who desire to rise as high as our human condition allows, must renounce intellectual pride, the omnipotence of clear thinking, belief in the absolute power of logic.
Interpretation
What this quote means
To achieve greatness, one must let go of arrogance and the false belief that logic alone can solve all problems.
In this quote, Alexis Carrel emphasizes the importance of humility and open-mindedness in the pursuit of higher understanding and achievement. He warns against the pitfalls of intellectual pride and the illusion that logic and rationality can provide all the answers, suggesting that true elevation of the human condition requires a more profound awareness and acceptance of our limitations.
Themes
HumilityIntellectKnowledgeWisdomLogic
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about leadership, one could use this quote to illustrate the importance of remaining humble despite success.
More from Alexis Carrel
All quotes βMan offers himself to God. He stands before Him like the canvas before the painter or the marble before the sculptor. At the same time he asks for His grace, expresses his needs and those of his brothers in suffering. Such a type of prayer demands complete renovation. The modest, the ignorant, and the poor are more capable of this self-denial than the rich and the intellectual.
Alexis CarrelRead
Hard conditions of life are indispensable to bringing out the best in human personality.
Alexis CarrelRead
A few observation and much reasoning lead to error; many observations and a little reasoning to truth.
Alexis CarrelRead
The first duty of society is to give each of its members the possibility of fulfilling his destiny. When it becomes incapable of performing this duty it must be transformed.
Alexis CarrelRead
Discipline brings us effort, sacrifice and suffering. Later it brings us something of an inestimable value: something of which those who live only for pleasure, profit or amusement will always be deprived. This peculiar indefinable joy which one must have felt oneself to understand is the sign with which life marks its moment of triumph.
Alexis CarrelRead
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