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
There is no sea more dangerous than the ocean of practical politics none in which there is more need of good pilotage and of a single, unfaltering purpose when the waves rise high.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Practical politics is challenging, requiring strong leadership and clear goals to navigate successfully.
In this quote, Thomas Huxley emphasizes the complexities and dangers inherent in practical politics, likening it to navigating treacherous seas. He suggests that just as a skilled pilot is essential to safely steer through turbulent waters, effective political leaders must possess a steadfast purpose and direction to manage the challenges they face.
Themes
PoliticsLeadershipPurposeChallengesNavigation
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about the importance of leadership in governing effectively.
More from Thomas Huxley
All quotes →The 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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