History warns us, however, that it is the customary fate of new truths to begin as heresies and to end as superstitions; and, as matters now stand, it is hardly rash to anticipate that, in another twenty years, the new generation, educated under the influences of the present day, will be in danger of accepting the main doctrines of the 'Origin of Species' with as little reflection, and it may be with as little justification, as so many of our contemporaries, twenty years ago, rejected them. Against any such a consummation let us all devoutly pray; for the scientific spirit is of more value than its products, and irrationally held truths may be more harmful than reasoned errors.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Huxley warns that new scientific truths often start as rejected heresies but can become blindly accepted superstitions over time. He argues that the scientific spirit of inquiry is more valuable than any specific truth, and holding truths irrationally can be more harmful than reasoned errors.
- In plain terms
- New truths often start as rebellious ideas and end as blind beliefs, so we should value the spirit of questioning more than the conclusions themselves.
- What can you take from it?
- Question the assumptions you accept today just as you questioned those you rejected yesterday.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do we know when a scientific theory becomes a dogma?
- What assumptions do you hold without reflection?
Another view
It is difficult to distinguish between well-supported conclusions and mere superstition without significant expertise.
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