Skip to content

Yes, I'm a materialist. I'm willing to be shown wrong, but…

“Yes, I'm a materialist. I'm willing to be shown wrong, but that has not happened — yet. And I admit that the reason I'm unable to accept the claims of psychic, occult, and/or supernatural wonders is because I'm locked into a world-view that demands evidence rather than blind faith, a view that…” quote by James Randi
Download Open image
““Yes, I'm a materialist. I'm willing to be shown wrong, but that has not happened — yet. And I admit that the reason I'm unable to accept the claims of psychic, occult, and/or supernatural wonders is because I'm locked into a world-view that demands evidence rather than blind faith, a view that insists upon the replication of all experiments — particularly those that appear to show violations of a rational world — and a view which requires open examination of the methods used to carry out those experiments.””

James Randi

About This Quote

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

The speaker asserts that belief requires evidence and reproducibility, rejecting claims lacking empirical support.

In simple terms: Belief needs proof, not faith.

Key Takeaway

Demand evidence before accepting extraordinary claims.

Themes

skepticism science critical thinking

Mood

inquisitive analytical skeptical

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • evaluating paranormal claims
  • scientific research
  • public debates
  • education
  • policy making

Key Concepts

empiricism methodology burden of proof

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance open inquiry with skepticism?
  • What standards should govern scientific verification of anomalous phenomena?
A Different Perspective

Extraordinary claims may be dismissed prematurely if evidence is scarce.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by James Randi

Explore all 54 James Randi quotes

More Atheism quotes

Browse all 4,769 Atheism quotes