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
It ought not to be unpleasant to say that which one honestly believes or disbelieves. That it so constantly is painful to do so, is quite enough obstacle to the progress of mankind in that most valuable of all qualities, honesty of word or of deed.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Expressing honest beliefs should not be a source of discomfort; the pain associated with it hinders progress towards honesty.
In this quote, Thomas Huxley emphasizes the importance of speaking one's truth and the inherent challenge that often accompanies honesty. He reflects on the discomfort that arises when individuals share their honest beliefs or disbeliefs, pointing out that this struggle is a significant barrier to societal advancement and the cultivation of integrity, both in words and actions.
Themes
HonestyTruthProgressCommunicationBelief
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote in a motivational speech about the importance of honesty in personal relationships.
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.
Thomas HuxleyRead
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.
Thomas HuxleyRead
The secret of genius is to carry the spirit of childhood into maturity.
Thomas HuxleyRead
It is the first duty of a hypothesis to be intelligible.
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.
Thomas HuxleyRead
Similar quotes
It was better, he thought, to fail in attempting exquisite things than to succeed in the department of the utterly contemptible.
Arthur MachenRead
The intelligent man who is proud of his intelligence is like the condemned man who is proud of his large cell.
Simone WeilRead
People are like tea bags; you never know how strong they'll be until they're in hot water. In times of trouble, you not only discover what you truly believe but whether or not you can act on your beliefs.
Rita Mae BrownRead
...no matter how avid they themselves may be for praise and appreciation, people are often niggardly in giving it to others, however merited it is.
Eleanor RooseveltRead
Our passions, when well exercised, have wisdom; they guide our thinking, our values, our survival.
Daniel GolemanRead
For your information, I'm staying like this, and everyone else can just get used to it! If people don't like me the way I am, well TOUGH BEANS! It's a free country! I don't need anyone's permission to be the way I want! This is who I am - Take it or leave it!
Bill WattersonRead