It does at first appear that an astronomer rapt in abstraction,
while he gazes on a star, must feel read more

It does at first appear that an astronomer rapt in abstraction,
while he gazes on a star, must feel more exquisite than a farmer
who in conducting his team.
- Isaac D'Israeli,

Men are probably nearer the central truth in their superstitions than in their science.

Men are probably nearer the central truth in their superstitions than in their science.

I worry that, especially as the Millennium edges nearer, pseudo-science and superstition will seem year by year more tempting, the read more

I worry that, especially as the Millennium edges nearer, pseudo-science and superstition will seem year by year more tempting, the siren song of unreason more sonorous and attractive.

The religious superstition is encouraged by means of the institution of churches, processions, monuments, festivities....The so-called clergy stupefy the masses....They read more

The religious superstition is encouraged by means of the institution of churches, processions, monuments, festivities....The so-called clergy stupefy the masses....They befog the people and keep them in an eternal condition of stupefaction

Astronomy compels the soul to look upwards and leads us from this world to another

Astronomy compels the soul to look upwards and leads us from this world to another

Superstition, idolatry, and hypocrisy have ample wages, but truth goes begging.

Superstition, idolatry, and hypocrisy have ample wages, but truth goes begging.

These earthly godfathers of heaven's light,
That give a name to every fixed star,
Have no more read more

These earthly godfathers of heaven's light,
That give a name to every fixed star,
Have no more profit of their shining nights
Than those that walk and wot not what they are.

O how loud
It calls devotion! genuine growth of night!
Devotion! daughter of Astronomy!
read more

O how loud
It calls devotion! genuine growth of night!
Devotion! daughter of Astronomy!
As undevout Astronomer is mad.

Superstition is the religion of feeble minds.

Superstition is the religion of feeble minds.