By the worldly standards of public life, all scholars in…
“By the worldly standards of public life, all scholars in their work are of course oddly virtuous. They do not make wild claims, they do not cheat, they do not try to persuade at any cost, they appeal neither to prejudice nor to authority, they are often frank about their ignorance, their disputes are fairly decorous, they do not confuse what is being argued with race, politics, sex or age, they listen patiently to the young and to the old who both know everything. These are the general virtues of scholarship, and they are peculiarly the virtues of science.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Scholarship values honesty, restraint, and respectful debate, avoiding sensationalism and bias while focusing on evidence and reason.
In simple terms: Scholars are honest, modest, and avoid bias.
Key Takeaway
Embrace humility and rigor in inquiry.
Themes
honesty
respect
modesty
critical thinking
integrity
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
inspirational
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- academic research
- peer review
- public lectures
- policy advising
Key Concepts
epistemology
scientific method
ethical conduct
Questions to Reflect On
- How can scholars guard against hidden biases?
- What practices ensure respectful discourse?
A Different Perspective
Scholars may still be influenced by unconscious biases or institutional pressures.