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.'
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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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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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