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
I am too much of a sceptic to deny the possibility of anything...
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes a skeptical yet open-minded attitude towards possibilities in life.
Thomas Huxley's quote reflects a philosophical viewpoint that encourages skepticism as a means to foster open-mindedness. By acknowledging the potential validity of various ideas or phenomena, one maintains an inquisitive and exploratory mindset, which is essential for intellectual growth and understanding.
Themes
SkepticismPossibilityOpen-MindednessPhilosophyInquiry
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on scientific theories, one could use this quote to encourage others to remain open to new ideas.
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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