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The popularity of the paranormal, oddly enough, might even be grounds for encouragement. I think that the appetite for mystery, the enthusiasm for that which we do not understand, is healthy and to be fostered. It is the same appetite which drives the best of true science, and it is an appetite which true science is best qualified to satisfy.

Richard Dawkins#69

ScienceBeliefParanormalCuriosityMysteryUnderstanding

About this quote

What does it mean?
The desire for mystery and the unknown is healthy and drives scientific progress.
In plain terms
Liking mysteries is good and helps science move forward.
What can you take from it?
Foster curiosity about the unknown as it drives science.

Where it applies

  • discussing paranormal claims
  • encouraging scientific inquiry
  • evaluating belief systems

Putting it to work

  • promote science education
  • critique paranormal claims

Questions to consider

  • What mysteries drive your own curiosity?
  • How do you distinguish healthy curiosity from credulity?

Another view

Not all mysteries lead to scientific breakthroughs.

More from Richard Dawkins

  1. How do we account for the current paranormal vogue in the popular media? Perhaps it has something to do with the millennium - in which case it's depressing to …

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  2. You contain a trillion copies of a large, textual document written in a highly accurate, digital code, each copy as voluminous as a substantial book. I'm talki…

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  3. It's been suggested that if the super-naturalists really had the powers they claim, they'd win the lottery every week. I prefer to point out that they could al…

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