I am not very skeptical... a good deal of skepticism in a…
“I am not very skeptical... a good deal of skepticism in a scientific man is advisable to avoid much loss of time, but I have met not a few men, who... have often thus been deterred from experiments or observations which would have proven servicable.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Excessive skepticism can hinder scientific progress; balanced doubt is healthy.
In simple terms: Too much doubt stops discovery.
Balance curiosity with healthy doubt.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- research
- experimentation
- theory development
- peer review
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you doubted a valuable idea?
- How can you foster constructive skepticism?
Over‑skepticism may reject useful ideas.