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
The scientific spirit is of more value than its products, and irrationally held truths may be more harmful than reasoned errors.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The pursuit of scientific inquiry is more important than the actual findings, as false beliefs can be more damaging than mistakes based on rational thought.
This quote by Thomas Huxley emphasizes the importance of the scientific method and critical thinking over merely achieving results. It suggests that the process of questioning, exploring, and rational deduction is invaluable, and that blindly held beliefs can lead to more harm than well-reasoned mistakes. The essence of science lies in its spirit of inquiry and skepticism, which promotes progress and understanding.
Themes
ScienceTruthReasonInquiryBeliefs
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a science class to emphasize the importance of the scientific method.
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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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