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About this quote

What does it mean?
Science teaches me to question my own preconceptions and demand stronger evidence for beliefs I previously opposed.
In plain terms
Be stricter with evidence for ideas you already dislike.
What can you take from it?
Apply rigorous standards to all beliefs, especially those you disagree with.

Where it applies

  • evaluating theories
  • debating ideas

Putting it to work

  • seek proof before acceptance
  • challenge own biases

Questions to consider

  • How do we balance openness and skepticism?
  • When is strong evidence insufficient?

Another view

Too much skepticism can lead to paralysis or nihilism.

More from Thomas Henry Huxley

  1. Give me such evidence as would justify me in believing in anything else and I will believe that. Why should I not? It is not half so wonderful as the conservat…

    Permalink to quote #42
  2. Nevertheless I know that I am, in spite of myself, exactly what the Christian would call, and, so far as I can see, is justified in calling, atheist and infide…

    Permalink to quote #44
  3. I neither deny nor affirm the immortality of man. I see no reason for believing in it, but, on the other hand, I have no means of disproving it.

    Permalink to quote #41

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