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About this quote

What does it mean?
Russell warns against believing propositions that lack any supporting evidence.
In plain terms
Don't believe something without proof.
What can you take from it?
Require evidence before accepting a claim.

Where it applies

  • everyday decision‑making
  • scientific inquiry
  • critical thinking

Putting it to work

  • ask for supporting data
  • avoid unfounded assertions

Questions to consider

  • How much evidence is enough?
  • What role does intuition play in belief?

Another view

Sometimes practical action must be taken despite limited evidence.

More from Bertrand Russell

  1. In obedience to the feeling of reality, we shall insist that, in the analysis of propositions, nothing 'unreal' is to be admitted. But, after all, if there is …

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  2. Machines are worshipped because they are beautiful and valued because they confer power; they are hated because they are hideous and loathed because they impos…

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  3. For want of the apparatus of propositional functions, many logicians have been driven to the conclusion that there are unreal objects. It is argued, e.g., by M…

    Permalink to quote #94

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