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About this quote

What does it mean?
This quote references an article criticizing Huxley for advocating agnosticism for others while being overly certain about his own views.
In plain terms
Critics say Huxley tells others to be unsure but is too confident himself.
What can you take from it?
Apply the same standards of doubt to your own beliefs as you do to others.

Where it applies

  • debates on religion
  • academic criticism
  • philosophical discourse

Putting it to work

  • audit your own certainty levels
  • seek consistency in arguments

Questions to consider

  • Do you hold yourself to different standards than others?
  • Is certainty a sign of strength or weakness?

Another view

The text is a summary of a critique rather than Huxley's direct voice.

More from Thomas Henry Huxley

  1. 'Huxley gave the death-blow not only to Owen's theory of the skull but also to Owen's hitherto unchallenged prestige'

    Permalink to quote #72
  2. 'If he [THH] has a fault it is... that like Caesar, he is ambitious... [it might be said that] cutting up apes is his forte, cutting up men is his foible'

    Permalink to quote #74
  3. 'I think his tone is much too vehement'

    Permalink to quote #71

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