"Formerly, when religion was strong and science weak, men mistook magic for medicine; now, when science is strong and religion weak, men mistake medicine for magic"
- Thomas Szasz
About this Quote
This quote by Thomas Szasz speaks with the power of belief and how it can form our understanding of the world. In the past, when religion was strong and science was weak, people believed that magical forces could be used to heal the sick. This was a form of superstition, as there was no scientific evidence to support these claims. Now, in a world where science is strong and faith is weak, people are more likely to put their faith in medicine and medical treatments. This is a kind of wonderful thinking, as we are typically unaware of the intricacies of the human body and the science behind medical treatments. Szasz's quote is a suggestion that we must beware not to put too much faith in either religious beliefs or science, as both can be utilized to explain the world in manner ins which are not always precise.
This quote is written / told by Thomas Szasz between April 15, 1920 and September 8, 2012. He was a famous Psychologist from USA, the quote is categorized under the topic Society. The author also have 25 other quotes.
"Well, I think any time you delve into this sort of religion, politics, as you well know, you're going to, you know, touch a few nerves. I wasn't - now - and this is the honest truth"
"I have always been delighted at the prospect of a new day, a fresh try, one more start, with perhaps a bit of magic waiting somewhere behind the morning"
