Everyone is free to set up an opinion and to adduce proofs…
“Everyone is free to set up an opinion and to adduce proofs in support of it. Whether, though, a scientist shall find it worth his while to enter into serious investigations of opinions so advanced is a question which his reason and instinct alone can decide. If these things, in the end, should turn out to be true, I shall not be ashamed of being the last to believe them.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Science should test opinions with evidence; only reason and instinct decide deep truths
In simple terms: Science needs evidence; belief may be last but honest
Key Takeaway
Rigorously test ideas before accepting
Themes
science
skepticism
epistemology
belief
Mood
analytical
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- research
- academic debate
- policy making
- personal belief systems
Key Concepts
philosophy of science
critical thinking
empiricism
Questions to Reflect On
- What opinions deserve scientific scrutiny?
- When is intuition a reliable guide?
A Different Perspective
Some truths may be beyond empirical verification