Scepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and it is shameful to surrender it too soon or to the first comer.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Scepticism protects the mind from accepting false ideas too quickly. Giving it up easily is a sign of intellectual weakness.
- In plain terms
- Doubt protects your mind, so do not give it up easily.
- What can you take from it?
- Maintain critical thinking to avoid being misled.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When is it safe to stop doubting?
- How do you test your own beliefs?
Another view
Excessive scepticism can paralyze decision-making and prevent learning.
More from George Santayana
Sanity is madness put to good uses.
Permalink to quote #59 Skepticism, like chastity, should not be relinquished too readily.
Permalink to quote #61 Religions are not true or false, but better or worse.
Permalink to quote #58
Related quotes
If a man will begin with certainties, he shall end in doubts; but if he will be content to begin with doubts he shall end in certainties.
Francis BaconFrancis Bacon quote #16 Nothing was or is farther from my intentions, than to enlist myself as the champion of a fixed opinion, where I have only expressed doubt.
Thomas JeffersonThomas Jefferson quote #56 The passion for seeking the truth for truth's sake...can be kept alive only if we continue to seek the truth for truth's sake.
Franz BoasFranz Boas quote #1