"The undevout astronomer must be mad"

This quote by William Herschel is a pointer that science and faith are not mutually exclusive. He is recommending that an astronomer who does not believe a greater power is not in their ideal mind. Herschel is implying that science and faith can exist side-by-side, and that one need to not be deemed more important than the other. He is recommending that an astronomer who does not believe a higher power is not in their best mind. He is suggesting that faith and science can be complementary, which one must not be viewed as more vital than the other. He is also recommending that faith can offer a sense of purpose and meaning to scientific pursuits. By stressing the importance of faith, Herschel is motivating astronomers to look beyond the real world and to consider the spiritual implications of their work. He is suggesting that faith can supply a sense of purpose and meaning to clinical pursuits, and that an astronomer who does not trust a greater power is not in their best mind.