How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
If we were to believe what certain narrow minded people maintain, humanity would be enclosed within a magic circle, and condemned to vegetate on this globe. (19.11)
The Gun Club sees their mission as a way to spread their love of science. It seems to be working, too, since the American public already seems far more informed about scientific truths than ever before. Ultimately, the best way to get people excited about science is show them things they never would have thought possible.
Quote #8
"We must acknowledge in Nature a diversity in her means of action which is often incomprehensible, but not the less real, and which almost reaches omnipotence." (19.30)
From the Earth to the Moon was written about six years after Darwin's On the Origin of Species. Can you see how those ideas might have influenced these words delivered by Ardan? In addition, we're again shown a connection between religious ideas and scientific ones. Ardan, more than anyone, is interested in finding this common ground.
Quote #9
I have a great esteem for men of science who know what they are talking about a great contempt for those who do not." (20.9)
Ardan is different than Barbicane and his cohorts—he's more con man than scientist. This unique perspective allows him to see through the nonsense often hidden under the guise of "science."