… is from page 253 of Will and Ariel Durant’s 1975 volume, The Age of Napoleon (original emphasis):
Perhaps it was magnificent to try, but it was certain to fail. In the end imagination toppled reason….
DBx: How many government programs can be described in this way? Alas, far too many.
Very many people – including (or, especially?) today those who gaudily exhibit their alleged allegiance to science – treat the state as if it possesses the power to work miracles. Very many people – including (or, especially?) today those who gaudily exhibit their alleged allegiance to science – commit what Matt Ridley identifies as the reverse naturalistic fallacy, which is to conclude that, if something should exist, then that something can indeed, with enough effort and will-power, be conjured into existence.
A true understanding of, and commitment to, science promotes humility. A false understanding of science promotes hubris and dogmatism.
