"But teleological considerations can lead no further than to a belief and a hope. They do not give certainty"
- Christian Lous Lange
About this Quote
In this quote, Christian Lous Lange is talking about the restrictions of teleological factors to consider, which refer to the study of purpose or style in nature. He argues that while these considerations may cause a belief and a hope, they can not provide certainty. This recommends that while we may see proof of function or design worldwide around us, we can not be specific of its existence or its supreme significance. Lange's words warn versus putting too much faith in teleological arguments, advising us that they are ultimately based on belief and hope rather than concrete evidence.
"Poets have said that the reason to have children is to give yourself immortality. Immortality? Now that I have five children, my only hope is that they are all out of the house before I die"
"Courage is sometimes frail as hope is frail: a fragile shoot between two stones that grows brave toward the sun though warmth and brightness fail, striving and faith the only strength it knows"
