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Others, one suspects, are afraid that the crossing of space, and above all contact with intelligent but nonhuman races, may destroy the foundations of their religious faith. They may be right, but in any event their attitude is one which does not bear logical examination — for a faith which cannot survive collision with the truth is not worth many regrets.

— Arthur C. Clarke The Exploration of Space (1951)

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Faith

More quotes by Arthur C. Clarke

Space can be mapped and crossed and occupied without definable limit; but it can never be conquered.

We'll Never Conquer Space (1960)

The greatest tragedy in mankind's entire history may be the hijacking of morality by religion.

Credo (1991)

Human judges can show mercy. But against the laws of nature, there is no appeal.

Maelstrom II (1965)

I don't believe in God but I'm very interested in her.

Multiple Intelligences in Practice : Enhancing Self-esteem and Learning in the Classroom (2006)

As our own species is in the process of proving, one cannot have superior science and inferior morals. The combination is unstable and self-destroying.

Voices from the Sky : Previews of the Coming Space Age (1967)

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Be not afraid of life. Believe that life is worth living, and your belief will help create the fact.

William James The Will to Believe and Other Essays in Popular Philosophy (1897)

Question with boldness even the existence of a god; because, if there be one, he must more approve the homage of reason, than that of blindfolded fear.

Thomas Jefferson Letter to Peter Carr (1787)

I had never doubted my own abilities, but I was quite prepared to believe that "the world" would decline to recognize them.

Colin Wilson Postscript to the Outsider (1967)

Love is the active, working principle in all true faith. It is its very soul, without which it is dead. "Faith works by love."

Jonathan Edwards Dictionary of Burning Words of Brilliant Writers (1895)

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Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: Arthur C. Clarke (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.