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
Nothing great in science has ever been done by men, whatever their powers, in whom the divine afflatus of the truth-seeker was wanting.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True scientific achievements require a genuine desire to seek out the truth.
Thomas Huxley's quote emphasizes that greatness in science is not just about individual intelligence or capability, but rather about an intrinsic motivation and passion for uncovering the truth. Without the divine spark of curiosity and dedication to seeking knowledge, even the most talented individuals may fail to make significant contributions to science.
Themes
ScienceTruthCuriosityMotivationKnowledge
In practice
Example use cases
In a classroom setting, a teacher could use this quote to inspire students to pursue their scientific interests passionately.
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.
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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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