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 individuality has no play, society does not advance; if individuality breaks out of all bounds, society perishes.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Individuality is essential for societal progress, but it must be balanced to avoid chaos.
This quote by Thomas Huxley conveys the idea that individuality is a crucial driver of societal advancement. However, it also warns that if individuality goes unchecked and disregards the common good, it can lead to the downfall of society. Thus, a balance between personal expression and societal harmony is imperative.
Themes
IndividualitySocietyBalanceProgressHarmony
In practice
Example use cases
During a graduation speech, one might say 'Remember, if individuality has no play, society does not advance.'
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
We discover that we are at the same time very insignificant and very important, because each of our actions is preparing the humanity of tomorrow; it is a tiny contribution to the construction of the huge and glorious final humanity
Jean VanierRead
Ecology is often confused with environmentalism, while in fact, environmentalism often leaves out the fact that people, too, can be a legitimate part of an ecosystem.
Frank HerbertRead
The line between disorder and order lies in logistics.
Sun TzuRead
...the most obvious, ubiquitous, important realities are often the ones that are hardest to see and talk about.
David Foster WallaceRead
Remember this. Hold on to this. This is the only perfection there is, the perfection of helping others. This is the only thing we can do that has any lasting meaning. This is why we're here. To make each other feel safe.
Andre AgassiRead
Today we continue a never ending journey to bridge the meaning of those words with the realities of our time.
Barack ObamaRead