“When, as a result of what was called Enlightenment in the eighteenth century, the priests had in fact almost entirely lost this function of guidance. Their place was taken by writers and scientists. In both cases it is equally absurd. Mathematics, physics, and biology are as remote from spiritual guidance as the art of arranging words. When that function is usurped by literature and science it proves there is no longer any spiritual life.”

—  Simone Weil

“Morality and literature,” pp. 164-165
On Science, Necessity, and the Love of God (1968)

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Simone Weil 193
French philosopher, Christian mystic, and social activist 1909–1943

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