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.
I wonder if it hurts to live, And if they have to try, And whether, could they choose between, They would not rather die.
I am convinced that when a man sincerely searches for God with all his heart, God will reveal Himself in some way.
None of us is alone in this world; each of us is a vital piece of the great mosaic of humanity as a whole.
There are certain things that we can deal with by following the rules. But at times, we find the rules restrict you from doing the right things. On such occasions, we have to rethink - either you change the rules or break the rules.
Two days overdue, THE WORLD'S WORK has not reached me. Pray make a note of this. I would rather not have to resort to violence.
Men naturally rebel against the injustice of which they are victims. Thus, when plunder is organized by law for the profit of those who make the law, all the plundered classes try somehow to enter, by peaceful or revolutionary means, into the making of laws. According to their degree of enlightenment, these plundered classes may propose one of two entirely different purposes when they attempt to attain political power: Either they may wish to stop lawful plunder, or they may wish to share in it.
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