"The process of philosophic and scientific enlightenment has shaken the stability of beliefs held explicitly as articles of faith"

This quote by Michael Polanyi speaks to the power of understanding and the effect it can have on our beliefs. He is recommending that the procedure of philosophical and clinical knowledge has challenged the stability of beliefs that were formerly held as outright truths. This suggests that the more we discover and understand, the more our beliefs can be challenged and changed. This is a crucial pointer that understanding is powerful and can lead to a greater understanding of the world around us. It also recommends that we ought to be open to new ideas and be willing to challenge our own beliefs in order to grow and establish.