Skip to content

Scepticism commonly takes up the room left by defect of…

“Scepticism commonly takes up the room left by defect of imagination, and is the very quality of mind most likely to seek for sensual proof of supersensual things. If one came from the dead it could not believe; and yet it longs for such a witness, and will put up with a very dubious one.” quote by James Russell Lowell
Download Open image
“Scepticism commonly takes up the room left by defect of imagination, and is the very quality of mind most likely to seek for sensual proof of supersensual things. If one came from the dead it could not believe; and yet it longs for such a witness, and will put up with a very dubious one.”

James Russell Lowell

About This Quote

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

Scepticism fills gaps left by imagination, driving the search for evidence of the supernatural, yet it can be overly doubtful.

In simple terms: Scepticism seeks proof where imagination lacks it, sometimes becoming too doubtful.

Key Takeaway

Balance healthy doubt with open curiosity.

Themes

philosophy science faith critical thinking

Mood

thoughtful inquisitive

Type

philosophical critical

When to use this quote

  • scientific research
  • religious debate
  • personal decision making
  • media consumption
  • education

Key Concepts

skepticism imagination belief evidence

Questions to Reflect On

  • When does doubt become a barrier?
  • How can you stay curious while questioning?
A Different Perspective

Over‑skepticism can stifle creativity and wonder.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by James Russell Lowell

Explore all 471 James Russell Lowell quotes

More Believe quotes

Browse all 47,704 Believe quotes