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Surely, God could have caused birds to fly with their bones made of solid gold, with their veins full of quicksilver, with their flesh heavier than lead, and with their wings exceedingly small. He did not, and that ought to show something. It is only in order to shield your ignorance that you put the Lord at every turn to the refuge of a miracle. Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems

Galileo Galilei#32

ScienceNatureDesignMiracleReasoningReligion

About this quote

What does it mean?
God could have made birds differently, but he did not; invoking miracles hides ignorance.
In plain terms
Birds are built practically; miracles are excuses for not knowing.
What can you take from it?
Seek natural explanations first.

Where it applies

  • scientific reasoning
  • theological debate
  • natural history

Putting it to work

  • investigate natural causes
  • avoid quick miracle claims

Questions to consider

  • What explains natural design?
  • When do we use miracles as answers?

Another view

Some find the complexity of nature itself miraculous.

More from Galileo Galilei

  1. You cannot teach a man anything, you can only help him to find it for himself.

    Permalink to quote #31
  2. Mathematics is the language with which God has written the universe.

    Permalink to quote #33
  3. Wine is 'light held together by moisture.'

    Permalink to quote #30

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