It is wrong for a man to say that he is certain of the objective truth of any proposition unless he can produce evidence which logically justifies that certainty.
Thomas HuxleyRead
To a clear eye the smallest fact is a window through which the infinite may be seen.
Interpretation
Small details can reveal greater truths about the universe.
Thomas Huxley's quote emphasizes the significance of observing small details in life, suggesting that even the most minor facts can provide profound insights into the larger realities of existence. It highlights the power of perception and understanding in grasping the broader dimensions of knowledge and experience.
In practice
During a lecture on the importance of attention to detail in scientific research.
It is wrong for a man to say that he is certain of the objective truth of any proposition unless he can produce evidence which logically justifies that certainty.
The child who has been taught to make an accurate elevation, plan, and section of a pint pot has had an admirable training in accuracy of eye and hand.
Let us have "sweet girl graduates" by all means. They will be none the less sweet for a little wisdom; and the "golden hair" will not curl less gracefully outside the head by reason of there being brains within.
The secret of genius is to carry the spirit of childhood into maturity.
It is the first duty of a hypothesis to be intelligible.
Of the few innocent pleasures left to men past middle life, the jamming of common sense down the throats of fools is perhaps the keenest.
Hold fast to the Bible as the sheet-anchor of your liberties; write its precepts in your hearts, and practice them in your lives.
One must be ruthless with one's own writing or someone else will be.
Only when you combine sound intellect with emotional discipline do you get rational behavior.
I don't stretch my hand out anymore, but I never get tired of waiting for the next magic.
You don't need people’s opinion on a fact. You might as well have a poll asking: ‘Which number is bigger, 15 or 5?’ or ‘Do owls exist?’ or ‘Are there hats?'
Solutions nearly always come from the direction you least expect, which means there's no point trying to look in that direction because it won't be coming from there.
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