William James used to preach the 'will to believe.' For my part, I should wish to preach the 'will to doubt.' None of our beliefs are quite true; all at least have a penumbra of vagueness and error.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Russell prefers a 'will to doubt' over a 'will to believe,' emphasizing that all beliefs contain some error.
- In plain terms
- It's better to doubt than to believe blindly because all beliefs are imperfect.
- What can you take from it?
- Cultivate skepticism as a habit.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When is doubt productive?
- How much certainty is needed for action?
Another view
Excessive doubt can lead to paralysis and indecision.
More from Bertrand Russell
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…
Permalink to quote #97 What is wanted is not the will-to-believe, but the wish to find out, which is its exact opposite.
Permalink to quote #99 It is undesirable to believe a proposition when there is no ground whatever for supposing it true.
Permalink to quote #96
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