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About this quote

What does it mean?
Skepticism is a virtue that should be kept. Releasing it quickly can lead to accepting falsehoods.
In plain terms
Keep your doubts; do not drop them too fast.
What can you take from it?
Protect your scepticism to stay critical.

Where it applies

  • research
  • debate
  • news consumption

Putting it to work

  • verify facts
  • ask questions
  • avoid haste

Questions to consider

  • When should you trust your gut?
  • How do you balance trust and doubt?

Another view

Constant scepticism might stop you from trusting good things.

More from George Santayana

  1. Scepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and it is shameful to surrender it too soon or to the first comer.

    Permalink to quote #60
  2. The Difficult is that which can be done immediately; the Impossible that which takes a little longer.

    Permalink to quote #62
  3. Sanity is madness put to good uses.

    Permalink to quote #59

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