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Advisable Quote by Charles Darwin

“I am not very sceptical, — a frame of mind which I believe to be injurious to the progress of science. A good deal of scepticism in a scientific man is advisable to avoid much loss of time, but I have met with not a few men, who, I feel sure, have often thus been deterred from experiment or…” quote by Charles Darwin
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“I am not very sceptical, — a frame of mind which I believe to be injurious to the progress of science. A good deal of scepticism in a scientific man is advisable to avoid much loss of time, but I have met with not a few men, who, I feel sure, have often thus been deterred from experiment or observations, which would have proved directly or indirectly serviceable .”

Charles Darwin

About This Quote

Source Book: The Origin of Species by Charles Darwin, 1859

Science advances when skepticism is balanced with openness; excessive doubt can halt experiments and discoveries.

In simple terms: Too much doubt blocks progress.

Key Takeaway

Balance skepticism with curiosity.

Themes

science skepticism progress experimentation

Mood

reflective analytical

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • research labs
  • academic debates
  • policy making
  • grant reviews

Key Concepts

philosophy of science critical thinking innovation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you gauge healthy doubt?
  • When should you trust intuition over data?
A Different Perspective

Excessive skepticism may also prevent valuable risks.

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