It has been the error of the ...

It has been the error of the schools to teach astronomy, and all the other sciences, and subjects of natural philosophy, as accomplishments only; whereas they should be taught theologically, or with reference to the Being who is the author of them: for all the principles of science are of divine origin. Man cannot make, or invent, or contrive principles: he can only discover them; and he ought to look through the discovery to the Author.
It has been the error of the schools to teach astronomy, and all the other sciences, and subjects of natural philosophy, as accomplishments only; whereas they should be taught theologically, or with reference to the Being who is the author of them: for all the principles of science are of divine origin. Man cannot make, or invent, or contrive principles: he can only discover them; and he ought to look through the discovery to the Author.
 Thomas Paine

Quotes from the same author

A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong gives it a superficial appearance of being right.
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 Thomas Paine
The World is my country, all mankind are my brethren, and to do good is my religion.
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 Thomas Paine
The most formidable weapon against errors of every kind is reason.
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 Thomas Paine
Arms, like laws, discourage and keep the invader and plunderer in awe and preserve order.
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 Thomas Paine
The balance of power is the scale of peace. The same balance would be preserved were all the world not destitute of arms, for all would be alike; but since some will not, others dare not lay them aside ... Horrid mischief would ensue were one half the world deprived of the use of them ... the weak will become prey to the strong.
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 Thomas Paine