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About this quote

What does it mean?
Pauling urges individuals to seek facts independently rather than relying on authorities for life decisions.
In plain terms
Verify facts yourself and make your own choices about life and work.
What can you take from it?
Trust verified facts over authority when making life decisions.

Where it applies

  • public health debates
  • political voting
  • personal ethics

Putting it to work

  • research health advice independently
  • question political narratives

Questions to consider

  • How do you verify facts before making important decisions?

Another view

Individuals may lack the expertise to evaluate complex facts alone.

More from Linus Pauling

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  2. Facts are the air of scientists. Without them you can never fly.

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  3. 'I have something that I call my Golden Rule. It goes something like this: 'Do unto others twenty-five percent better than you expect them to do unto you.' [Pa…

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