Hellenic science is a victory of rationalism, which appears greater, not smaller, when one is made to realize that it had been won in spite of the ir… - George Sarton

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Hellenic science is a victory of rationalism, which appears greater, not smaller, when one is made to realize that it had been won in spite of the irrational beliefs of the Greek people; all in all, it was a triumph of reason in the face of unreason. Some knowledge of Greek superstitions is needed not only for a proper appreciation of that triumph but also for the justification of occasional failures, such as the many Platonic aberrations.

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About George Sarton

George Sarton (August 31, 1884 – March 22, 1956) is considered by some to be the "father" of the history of science, having established the history of science as a discipline in its own right.

Also Known As

Alternative Names: George Alfred Leon Sarton
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Additional quotes by George Sarton

The history of science should not be an instrument to defend any kind of social or philosophic theory; it should be used only for its own purpose, to illustrate impartially the working of reason against unreason, the gradual unfolding of truth, in all its forms, whether pleasant or unpleasant, useful of useless, welcome or unwelcome.

The rationalism of the creative minds was tempered by abundant fantasies, and the supreme beauty of the monuments was probably spoiled by the circumambient vanities and ugliness; in a few cases the Greeks came as close to perfection as it was possible to do, yet they were human and imperfect.

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