It takes a wonderful brain and exquisite senses to produce a few stupid ideas.
George SantayanaRead
There is a kind of courtesy in skepticism. It would be an offense against polite conventions to press our doubts too far.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Skepticism involves a respectful doubt that acknowledges social norms.
The quote by George Santayana suggests that while skepticism is an essential part of inquiry and understanding, it must be balanced with social etiquette. Pressing doubts too far can harm relationships and disrupt dialogue, indicating that a certain level of politeness is necessary when questioning or challenging beliefs and ideas.
Themes
SkepticismCourtesyDoubtPolitenessPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate about social issues, this quote can remind participants to maintain respect while expressing skepticism.
More from George Santayana
All quotes βThe working of great institutions is mainly the result of a vast mass of routine, petty malice, self interest, carelessness and sheer mistake. Only a residual fraction is thought.
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To feel beauty is a better thing than to understand how we come to feel it. To have imagination and taste, to love the best, to be carried by the contemplation of nature to a vivid faith in the ideal, all this is more, a great deal more, than any science can hope to be.
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The vital straining towards an ideal, definite but latent, when it dominates a whole life, may express that ideal more fully than could the best chosen words.
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