Antoun Saadeh believed that true progress could only be achieved by adopting a scientific and rational approach based on logical thinking and careful research. He emphasized that science without a noble purpose is as useless as ignorance. He once said, “Science that does not benefit is like ignorance that does not harm.”[1] For Saadeh, science makes life better, more beautiful, and more meaningful.[2] Using science to benefit society helps create progress and prosperity in all areas of life.

Saadeh did not see science as just theoretical knowledge but as an essential tool for solving problems, creating change, and building a better society based on knowledge. He believed that science supports rational thinking, as using facts and evidence helps people avoid falling into naive beliefs and superstitions. This idea is clear in his call to avoid "scientific and religious charlatanism" that confuses ideas and moves away from the truth.[3]

He encouraged scientific thinking based on facts and real analysis, free from unrealistic beliefs. To him, scientific thinking was a practical and organized way of using logic and evidence, unlike magical or superstitious thinking that ignores science and its methods. Saadeh said: “This type of thinking is the only one that can lead to systematic actions and achieving our goals.”[4]

Saadeh believed that young people and students were the key to progress because they seek true knowledge and understanding. He spoke to them using the language of science and encouraged them to build strong national awareness through critical and logical thinking. He said, “Every student understands the importance of being part of the national social movement, as students look for true knowledge and build a strong mind that helps them become respected individuals.”[5]

Saadeh also believed that searching for truth is the path to creating strong national awareness, which helps a nation overcome chaos and division. In a speech to students in Damascus, he said, “Seeking truth is the right path. We are pleased to see those ready to learn the truth so that we can build a united society that saves the Syrian nation.”[6] This showed that he saw science as the way to build a strong, independent society that can face challenges confidently.

He emphasized that “students’ minds should be thinking minds, aimed at finding truth, guided by reason, and following the path of clear knowledge to achieve national awareness.”[7] For him, a scientific approach was the foundation for building a progressive society because science and knowledge drive innovation and creativity. They are the tools needed to improve reality and build a bright and independent future for the nation.

During a time when many people were caught up in superstitions and wrong beliefs, Saadeh stressed the importance of using science and knowledge to make life better and create prosperity. He said, “Society is knowledge, and knowledge is power.”[8] He called for keeping up with the era of the specialized world in which we live and using knowledge from different fields. He said, “The era we live in is one of work and achieving high goals.”[9] It is a time of production, innovation, and progress capable of achieving great scientific accomplishments.

In his book The Enemies of the Arabs, the Enemies of Lebanon, Saadeh pointed out that if some people fall behind in this progress, educated individuals must remember “the power of scientific facts and the need to give each task to the experts, whether technical, social, political, or other areas.”[10] He believed science saves us from being naive, especially in social and political issues.

Saadeh did not just support theoretical scientific thinking. He also emphasized the importance of putting it into practice, believing that real-world tests and experiments prove ideas and show their effectiveness in improving society.

He understood that true progress can only come from a complete scientific approach adopted in technology, thought, culture, and values. For him, progress starts with freeing our minds and focusing on real knowledge based on scientific facts and strong methods, not superstitions or false beliefs. He called for learning from different areas of expertise to attain a clear and complete understanding of the world, which helps people make wise and lasting decisions.