It is idle to talk always of the alternative of reason and faith. Reason is itself a matter of faith. It is an act of faith to assert that our thoughts have any relation to reality at all.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Chesterton argues that reason itself requires faith because asserting that thoughts relate to reality is an act of belief.
- In plain terms
- Even reason depends on faith.
- What can you take from it?
- Logic and faith are not opposites; both require belief.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Do we need faith to trust logic?
- Is reality something we believe in?
Another view
It conflates trust in senses with religious faith.
More from Gilbert Keith Chesterton
The modern world is not evil; in some ways the modern world is far too good. It is full of wild and wasted virtues. When a religious scheme is shattered (as Ch…
Permalink to quote #123 Fairyland is nothing but the sunny country of common sense.
Permalink to quote #125 Spiritual doctrines do not actually limit the mind as do materialistic denials. Even if I believe in immortality I need not think about it. But if I disbelieve…
Permalink to quote #122
Related quotes
I can read ideas from all different people from all different cultures. Without God, we can agree on reality, and I can keep learning where I'm wrong. We can a…
Penn JillettePenn Jillette quote #14 Science not only purifies the religious impulse of the dross of its anthropomorphism but also contributes to a religious spiritualization of our understanding …
Albert EinsteinAlbert Einstein quote #127 The inspiration of the Bible depends upon the ignorance of the gentleman who reads it.
Robert G. IngersollRobert G. Ingersoll quote #198