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About this quote

What does it mean?
Pasteur warns against letting barren skepticism taint one's perspective.
In plain terms
Do not let negative doubt stop you from seeing value in things.
What can you take from it?
Healthy skepticism is useful; excessive cynicism hinders progress.

Where it applies

  • learning
  • innovation
  • critical thinking

Putting it to work

  • challenge assumptions constructively
  • remain open to ideas

Questions to consider

  • How much doubt is healthy?
  • When does skepticism become cynicism?

Another view

Without skepticism, one might accept false claims uncritically.

More from Louis Pasteur

  1. Let me tell you the secret that has led me to my goal. My strength lies solely in my tenacity.

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  2. It is surmounting difficulties that makes heroes.

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  3. I am utterly convinced that Science and Peace will triumph over Ignorance and War, that nations will eventually unite not to destroy but to edify, and that the…

    Permalink to quote #10

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