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Our belief is not a belief. Our principles are not a…

“Our belief is not a belief. Our principles are not a faith. We do not rely solely upon science and reason, because these are necessary rather than sufficient factors, but we distrust anything that contradicts science or outrages reason. We may differ on many things, but what we respect is free…” quote by Christopher Hitchens
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““Our belief is not a belief. Our principles are not a faith. We do not rely solely upon science and reason, because these are necessary rather than sufficient factors, but we distrust anything that contradicts science or outrages reason. We may differ on many things, but what we respect is free inquiry, openmindedness, and the pursuit of ideas for their own sake.””

Christopher Hitchens

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Advocates that truth-seeking must go beyond science, embracing free inquiry and open-mindedness as essential values.

In simple terms: Science alone isn’t enough; we need open inquiry.

Key Takeaway

Value free inquiry over dogma.

Themes

truth inquiry open-mindedness science reason

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • academic research
  • policy debate
  • ethical decision making
  • personal belief formation

Key Concepts

epistemology philosophy critical thinking

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance rational evidence with human experience?
  • When should intuition guide inquiry?
A Different Perspective

May overlook emotional or cultural insights that science cannot capture.

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