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
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the satisfaction of imparting knowledge and common sense to those who lack it, especially later in life.
Thomas Huxley's quote suggests that as people age, they often gain wisdom and a clearer understanding of life. One of the few joys remaining in their later years is the ability to share this knowledge with those who might ignore or dismiss it—essentially, the pleasure derived from enlightening those who are resistant to reason or common sense.
Themes
WisdomCommon SenseKnowledgeAgingUnderstanding
In practice
Example use cases
During a community discussion, this quote can be referenced to emphasize the importance of sharing knowledge.
More from Thomas Huxley
All quotes →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.
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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.
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The secret of genius is to carry the spirit of childhood into maturity.
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It is the first duty of a hypothesis to be intelligible.
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The scientific spirit is of more value than its products, and irrationally held truths may be more harmful than reasoned errors.
Thomas HuxleyRead
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