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The lofty serenity of science only becomes possible on the condition of impartial criticism, which without regard for the beliefs of a certain portion of humanity, handles its imperturbable instrument with the inflexibility of the geometrician, without anger and without pity. The critic never insults.

— Ernest Renan The Future of Science (1890)

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More quotes by Ernest Renan

In morals, truth is but little prized when it is a mere sentiment, and only attains its full value when realized in the world as fact.

Vie de Jésus (The Life of Jesus) (1863)

Communism is in conflict with human nature.

It has become a hackneyed truth by now to say that the world is governed by ideas.

The Future of Science (1890)

The greatest men of a nation are often those whom it puts to death.

Vie de Jésus (The Life of Jesus) (1863)

"Endeavour to be beautiful, and then do at every moment that with which your heart will inspire you;" that is morality in a nutshell.

The Future of Science (1890)

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Attribution

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