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
There is no sadder sight in the world than to see a beautiful theory killed by a brutal fact.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the conflict between idealized ideas and harsh realities.
Thomas Huxley's quote reflects the unfortunate reality that theoretical concepts, which can be beautiful and promising, often collide with unforgiving facts, leading to their demise. This serves as a reminder of the importance of grounding theories in reality and recognizing that not all ideals can withstand the scrutiny of practical truths.
Themes
TheoryFactRealityPhilosophyTruth
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about innovation, one might say this quote to emphasize the importance of supporting ideas with factual data.
More from Thomas Huxley
All quotes βThe 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
Even as I approach the gambling hall, as soon as I hear, two rooms away, the jingle of money poured out on the table, I almost go into convulsions.
Fyodor DostoevskyRead
Well, my book is written-let it go. But if it were only to write over again there wouldn't be so many things left out. They burn in me; and they keep multiplying; but now they can't ever be said. And besides, they would require a library-and a pen warmed up in hell.
Mark TwainRead
I'd quite like to be in Caligula's court - living in the back room somewhere and just being able to observe.
Mary BeardRead
The issue is now clear. It is between light and darkness and everyone must choose his side.
Gilbert K. ChestertonRead
Feel the delight of walking in the noisy street and being the noise.
RumiRead
How did her life live itself without her.
Jonathan Safran FoerRead