Meaning: The quote "He that will believe only what he can fully comprehend must have a long head or a very short creed" by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, a French philosopher, theologian, and Jesuit priest, reflects the complex relationship between faith and understanding. It suggests that individuals who prioritize complete comprehension before belief may need to possess a great capacity for understanding or accept a limited set of beliefs. This quote encapsulates the tension between rational thought and faith, inviting contemplation on the nature of belief and the boundaries of human comprehension.

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin was a prominent figure in the 20th century, known for his philosophical and theological writings that sought to reconcile Christian faith with scientific understanding, particularly in the context of evolution and the unity of all creation. Born in 1881, Teilhard de Chardin's work has continued to influence discussions on the intersection of science, spirituality, and the human experience.

The quote can be interpreted in various ways, but at its core, it challenges the notion that belief and understanding are always inextricably linked. It suggests that a person who insists on fully comprehending everything before accepting it as true may find their capacity for belief constrained by the limits of human knowledge. This notion is particularly relevant in a world where scientific discoveries and technological advancements continually expand the frontiers of human understanding, often revealing the intricacies and mysteries of the universe.

In a broader context, the quote invites contemplation about the nature of faith and the role of reason in shaping our beliefs. It acknowledges that there are aspects of existence, whether spiritual, metaphysical, or scientific, that may transcend immediate comprehension. This challenges individuals to consider the interplay between reason and faith, recognizing that some truths may be apprehended through belief and intuition rather than through empirical evidence alone.

Moreover, the quote also raises questions about the relationship between certainty and humility. It implies that an insistence on complete comprehension before belief may necessitate an overbearing confidence in one's intellectual capacity or a reduction of one's creed to only that which can be fully understood. This notion encourages individuals to embrace a sense of humility in the face of the vastness and complexity of existence, acknowledging that there may be truths that elude complete comprehension yet remain worthy of belief and contemplation.

From a philosophical standpoint, the quote aligns with the discussions on epistemology, the study of knowledge and belief. It prompts consideration of the criteria for accepting something as true or worthy of belief, and the potential limitations of human cognition in grasping the full scope of reality. This philosophical inquiry has implications for various fields, including theology, science, and the humanities, where the tension between faith and reason continues to be a subject of contemplation and debate.

In sum, Teilhard de Chardin's quote encapsulates the intricate relationship between belief and comprehension, inviting individuals to reflect on the nature of faith, the boundaries of human understanding, and the interplay between reason and intuition. It challenges the assumption that complete comprehension is a prerequisite for belief, urging individuals to consider the complexities of existence with humility and openness to truths that may transcend immediate understanding. This quote continues to resonate in philosophical and theological discussions, inviting contemplation on the nature of knowledge, belief, and the human quest for understanding.