“To surrender to ignorance and call it God has always been premature, and it remains premature today.”
- January 2, 1920 – April 6, 1992
- Born in Russia
- Author, biochemist (professor)
- Wrote many science fiction works, including the Foundation series and the Robotics series
Quote
“To surrender to ignorance and call it God has always been premature, and it remains premature today.”
Explanation
In this quote, Asimov critiques the tendency to attribute ignorance or unexplained phenomena to the will of a higher power. By referring to it as “premature,” he implies that such an approach closes off further investigation and stunts intellectual growth. Asimov, a scientist and rationalist, believed in the power of reason and empirical evidence. For him, ignorance should not be accepted as an answer to the unknown; instead, it should be seen as an opportunity for inquiry and understanding. This reflects his broader worldview, where science and rational thought are the keys to unraveling the mysteries of the universe, rather than accepting unexplained phenomena as divine or supernatural.
Asimov’s perspective was shaped by the context of his time—growing up in the early 20th century, witnessing both the rise of scientific discoveries and the influence of religion in public and intellectual life. The quote challenges the idea that faith or ignorance should be used as substitutes for critical thinking or scientific exploration. Asimov’s work, especially in the fields of science fiction and popular science, often grappled with questions of human nature, the limits of knowledge, and the role of reason. His own life was a testament to his belief in the importance of questioning, exploring, and expanding knowledge.
In today’s world, Asimov’s message remains incredibly relevant. With the rapid advancements in technology, medicine, and space exploration, the temptation to rely on simplistic answers—or to surrender to mysticism and avoid confronting uncomfortable truths—is still prevalent. Asimov’s call to reject ignorance and continue to seek knowledge is a reminder to never settle for easy explanations but to remain curious, skeptical, and committed to uncovering the truths of our world.
