Nightingale's spiritual philosophy and its significance for modern nursing.
Image--the journal of nursing scholarship January 1, 1995 DOI: 10.1111/j.1547-5069.1995.tb00806.x (opens in new tab) via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractFlorence Nightingale's manuscript 'Suggestions for Thought' attempted to integrate science and mysticism. She argued that the universe is the incarnation of a divine intelligence that regulates all things through law, and that the laws of science are the 'Thoughts of God.' Because of her conviction about universal law, she did not believe in miraculous intervention as an answer to prayer. Instead, human beings must discover God's laws and apply them for health and wholeness. Prayer is attuning one's personal self with the consciousness of God, found within. Nightingale's idea of spirituality as intrinsic to human nature and compatible with science can guide future nursing practice and inquiry.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Argues that Nightingale's integration of science and mysticism, viewing the universe as governed by divine law and prayer as attunement to God's consciousness, offers a model for nursing practice that sees spirituality as intrinsic and compatible with science. |
Abstract
In her manuscript, Suggestions for Thought, Nightingale attempted to integrate science and mysticism. She wrote that the universe is the incarnation of a divine intelligence that regulates all things through law. For Nightingale, the laws of science are the "Thoughts of God." Because of her deep conviction about universal law, she did not believe in miraculous intervention as an answer to prayer. Human beings must discover the laws of God and apply them for health and wholeness. Prayer is attuning or joining one's personal self with the consciousness of God, which is found in the deepest recesses of one's own being. Nightingale's idea of spirituality as intrinsic to human nature and compatible with science can guide the development of future nursing practice and inquiry.