What is wanted is not the will-to-believe, but the wish to find out, which is its exact opposite.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Russell says the goal is not to believe, but to discover, which is the opposite of believing without evidence.
- In plain terms
- Seek discovery, not blind belief.
- What can you take from it?
- Prioritize inquiry over acceptance.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does belief motivate research?
- Can discovery occur without prior belief?
Another view
Discovery often starts from provisional beliefs that guide investigation.
More from Bertrand Russell
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 …
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