Hare Krishna. Does religion make humans proud and science make people humble? The answer depends on which aspect of science and which aspect of religion we are talking about. Let’s first explore where this particular idea and the corresponding claim come from. It arises from Western intellectual history, particularly the effect of Darwin’s theory of evolution on human self-understanding.

Before the theory of evolution was proposed, the Judeo-Christian worldview dominated the West. This worldview was based not only on the Bible but also on biblical theology integrated with Greco-Roman concepts, particularly in cosmology. According to this Christian worldview, the Earth was the center of the universe, and humans were special beings—unique in possessing souls, and particularly the kind of souls that could have the light of reason to know God. Essentially, humans had a unique place in nature and the universe. However, the advancement of science, starting with Galileo’s time, demonstrated that the Earth was not at the center of the universe, but rather it revolved around the sun. This displaced the Earth from the center of the universe, and then Darwin’s theory claimed that humans were not special at all, but rather evolved from apes, placing humans lower within nature.

This displacement of humans from the center of the universe and nature is often seen as science bringing humans down from a position of pride—one that the Christian worldview had placed them in. Now, this is just one way of looking at things. From the Vedic worldview, there are three primary factors at play: living beings (Jeeva), nature (Prakriti or Jagat), and the supreme consciousness (Jagadish or God, Krishna, ultimate reality, or absolute truth). In the Vedic view, science, by removing Jagadish (the supreme reality) from the equation—whether for methodological or metaphysical reasons—focuses on the interaction between Jeeva (living beings) and Jagat (nature).

In this interaction, the Christian worldview elevates humans over nature, while the Darwinian worldview places humans as just another part of nature. However, the primary contribution of religion is not just our view of nature, but our view of Jagadish (the divine), and our relationship with the entire reality in those terms. In both Christian and Vedic worldviews, submission to God brings humility. In Christianity, there is a sense of humility before God, although there is sometimes an elitist mentality that arises from the belief in being the chosen people of God. This could lead to entitlement or exploitation, which fosters pride.

In the Vedic worldview, humility is first cultivated in our relationship with Jagadish, the supreme being. We recognize that we are servants of the divine, and this instills humility. Moreover, the relationship between Jeeva (living beings) and Jagat (nature) is one of respect. In the Vedic view, nature is not seen as something to dominate or exploit but as God’s body—part of the divine universal form (Vishwarupa). This creates a respectful relationship with nature, acknowledging its sacredness. In this sense, the Vedic worldview offers one of the most eco-friendly views of nature, where nature’s beauty is seen as an expression of God’s glory.

The Vedic worldview does not place humans at the center of the universe, nor does it suggest that humans are a special act of creation. Instead, humans are similar to other living beings in terms of their biological functions. However, the Vedic worldview acknowledges a spiritual essence within humans, a more evolved consciousness, which allows us to use our cognitive faculties to seek meaning and purpose in life. Even modern ethologists, who study animal behavior, agree that the quest for meaning and purpose is uniquely human. Animals, driven primarily by survival and reproduction, lack this higher pursuit. Therefore, humans are special, not in category but in degree—the degree of consciousness. We are endowed with higher faculties, and if we do not use them, we risk regressing.

While the Christian worldview separates humans from animals, the Vedic worldview sees humans as having a higher consciousness, which is a gift, not a right. This fosters humility, as we understand that our consciousness is given to us, and if we fail to use it, we lose it. Thus, our very humanity brings humility.

So, regarding which quality—pride or humility—is fostered by science or religion: both can foster pride. In religion, there can be an elitist mentality that leads to pride, such as feeling that one is a chosen people with exclusive access to God’s truth. Similarly, science can foster pride, particularly among those who dismiss religious beliefs as mere sentiment and elevate logic and reason as the sole reliable means of knowledge. This can lead to scientism, the over-reliance on science as the only valid worldview.

However, within most religious traditions, humility is a core value. In Christianity, humility is praised as a virtue, and in the Bhagavad Gita, the first quality of a person with true knowledge is humility. These values are consciously emphasized in religious teachings. In contrast, the scientific method itself does not stress humility. While individual scientists may exhibit humility, the scientific process, by its nature, emphasizes mastery over nature, which can lead to overconfidence and a sense of human superiority. Francis Bacon, one of the pioneers of the scientific method, famously stated, “knowledge is power,” meaning that science gives us the technological power to control nature, which can easily lead to arrogance and exploitation.

Indeed, the technological power derived from science has often led to ecological problems, as humans exploit natural resources without considering the delicate ecological balances required for sustainability. This hubris, driven by technological progress, has been a major contributor to environmental crises.

In contrast, religion, particularly the Vedic worldview, provides a framework for humility, harmony, and cooperation with nature. As we recognize that the Earth is not ours to dominate, but that we are stewards of God’s creation, our relationship with nature becomes one of reverence and respect. Interestingly, many environmental scientists, despite holding atheistic or materialistic views, recognize the need for a spiritual or religious perspective to inspire a deeper sense of environmental responsibility. They acknowledge that by viewing nature as sacred, people are more likely to treat it with care.

Furthermore, the scientific worldview that displaced humans from the center of the universe did not just promote humility; it stripped human existence of meaning. If we are simply stardust, if our lives are a mere flicker in the vastness of time, then existence becomes meaningless, leading to a sense of nihilism. This lack of meaning is psychologically damaging, and such an outlook is not true humility; it is despair.

Religion, on the other hand, provides a sense of cosmic purpose, reminding us that our existence matters, and that our endeavors have meaning. This sense of meaning is vital for psychological well-being. People who lack a sense of meaning are more prone to depression and self-destructive behavior. Religion, by offering this meaning, plays a crucial role in maintaining mental health and providing a sense of purpose.

Ultimately, both science and religion are tools that can either be used or misused by humans. Both can foster pride if used incorrectly, but religion, with its emphasis on humility and respect, is more likely to help counteract pride. Science, especially when it leads to technological overconfidence, is more likely to foster hubris. The need for both science and religion is clear. Science answers the “how” questions—how to solve problems, how to understand the world around us—while religion answers the “why” questions—why we exist, what our purpose is, and what our ultimate relationship with the divine and the universe is.

In today’s world, there are many “means” provided by science, but there is a lack of “meaning.” This imbalance is contributing to the rising psychological health problems that many people face. Thus, both science and religion are essential for a balanced and fulfilling life, one that is filled with both knowledge and purpose. Thank you.

Hare Krishna.