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
If then, said I, the question is put to me would I rather have a miserable ape for a grandfather or a man highly endowed by nature and possessing great means and influence and yet who employs those faculties for the mere purpose of introducing ridicule into a grave scientific discussion-I unhesitatingly affirm my preference for the ape.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the value of authenticity over superficiality in intellectual discourse.
In this quote, Huxley suggests that he would prefer the raw honesty and authenticity of a less evolved being, like an ape, over a highly educated person who uses their intelligence and influence to mock serious discussions. This reflects a deeper philosophical stance on the importance of genuine engagement in scientific and intellectual matters rather than the empty humor that can undermine serious inquiry.
Themes
AuthenticityIntelligenceHumorScienceDiscourse
In practice
Example use cases
In a lecture on the importance of honest scientific discussions, this quote can highlight the need for integrity in intellectual debates.
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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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.
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