“The way to see by Faith is to shut the Eye of Reason.”
- January 17, 1706 – April 17, 1790
- American
- Polymath, Founding Father of the United States, Inventor, Diplomat, Writer
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Quote
“The way to see by Faith is to shut the Eye of Reason.”
Explanation
In this provocative statement, Benjamin Franklin critiques the notion that faith and reason can coexist without conflict, suggesting instead that faith often demands the suspension of rational thought. The metaphor “shut the Eye of Reason” implies that in order to embrace faith fully, one must ignore or disable critical thinking and empirical understanding. Franklin’s tone here is not reverent but skeptical, casting faith as something that may obscure rather than illuminate truth.
Franklin was a product of the Enlightenment, a period that celebrated rational inquiry, scientific discovery, and skepticism of traditional dogma. While he respected religion’s social and moral roles, he often challenged blind belief and emphasized the need for evidence-based thinking. This quote reflects his belief that true wisdom requires the use of reason, and that unquestioning faith can be intellectually and morally dangerous.
In the modern era, Franklin’s quote continues to stir reflection on the balance between belief and skepticism. It invites us to consider whether faith enriches or impedes our understanding of the world, especially when confronting scientific, ethical, or philosophical questions. While many strive to harmonize faith and reason, Franklin’s words serve as a reminder that rationality should not be sacrificed for belief, and that critical thought remains essential to honest inquiry and personal integrity.
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