One of the most frightening things in the Western world, and in this country in particular, is the number of people who believe in things that are scientifically false. If someone tells me that the earth is less than 10,000 years old, in my opinion he should see a psychiatrist.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Crick expresses fear that many people believe scientifically false claims. He suggests extreme pseudoscientific beliefs warrant psychiatric evaluation.
- In plain terms
- Believing scientifically false facts is frightening and concerning.
- What can you take from it?
- Value scientific literacy and evidence-based thinking.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why do people believe scientifically false claims?
- How can society promote scientific literacy?
Another view
Labeling beliefs as mental illness can be stigmatizing and unhelpful.
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