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
The secret of genius is to carry the spirit of childhood into maturity.
Interpretation
Embracing the curiosity and creativity of childhood is key to achieving greatness in adulthood.
This quote by Thomas Huxley suggests that the true essence of genius lies in maintaining the wonder, imagination, and playful spirit characteristic of childhood as we grow older. It emphasizes the idea that these qualities should not be lost with age but should instead be nurtured and carried into maturity, allowing individuals to innovate and think outside the conventional boundaries.
In practice
In a motivational speech about creativity in the workplace.
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.
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.
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.
It is the first duty of a hypothesis to be intelligible.
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.
The scientific spirit is of more value than its products, and irrationally held truths may be more harmful than reasoned errors.
I had a quick grasp of the secret to sanity, it had become the ability to hold the maximum of impossible combinations in one's mind.
If you have not the experience, ask. There is no shame in asking, but do not pretend you know when you don't.
Our desires always increase with our possessions. The knowledge that something remains yet unenjoyed impairs our enjoyment of the good before us.
Delight in smooth sounding platitudes, refusal to face unpleasant facts ... genuine love of peace and pathetic belief that love can be its sole foundation ... the utter devotion of the Liberals to sentiment apart from reality ...though free from wickedness or evil design, played a definite part in the unleashing upon the world of horrors and miseries [WWII]
I had a long talk with Bruce Springsteen on a rooftop during the Vote for Change tour (in 2004). And it boiled down to this: That guy you used to be, he’s still in the car. He’ll always be in the car. Just don’t let him drive. He might be shouting out directions. But whatever you do, don’t let him get behind the wheel.
It's not to much fun to know yourself too well or think you do - everyone needs a little conceit to carry them through & past the falls.
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