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The principle of maximum diversity says that the laws of nature, and the initial conditions at the beginning of time, are such as to make the universe as interesting as possible. As a result, life is possible but not too easy. Maximum diversity often leads to maximum stress. In the end we survive, but only by the skin of our teeth. This is the confession of faith of a scientific heretic. Perhaps I may claim as evidence for progress in religion the fact that we no longer burn heretics.

Freeman Dyson#25

ReligionDiversitySurvivalTolerance

About this quote

What does it mean?
Maximum diversity makes the universe interesting but stressful, allowing life only barely. Progress in religion includes no longer burning heretics.
In plain terms
A diverse universe is hard to live in, but tolerance marks progress in faith.
What can you take from it?
Accept that a complex world is challenging, and judge faith by its tolerance.

Where it applies

  • philosophical theology
  • discussing religious tolerance

Putting it to work

  • advocate tolerance
  • study cosmic constraints

Questions to consider

  • Is stress necessary for growth?
  • How do we measure tolerance?

Another view

Some define progress differently, not by tolerance alone.

More from Freeman Dyson

  1. I do not claim any ability to read God's mind. I am sure of only one thing. When we look at the glory of stars and galaxies in the sky and the glory of forests…

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  2. All through our history, we have been changing the world with our technology. Our technology has been of two kinds, green and grey. Green technology is seeds a…

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  3. My personal theology is described in the Gifford lectures that I gave at Aberdeen in Scotland in 1985, published under the title, Infinite In All Directions. H…

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