Belief Quote by Jim Al-Khalili
“The difference between my beliefs and having a religious faith is that I am prepared to change my views in light of new evidence, but someone of a religious faith will just stick their fingers in the ears and say: 'I'm not listening, there's nothing you can say that will make me change my mind.”
About This Quote
Source Talk: Science and Faith, 2012
Scientific belief adapts to evidence, while some faith resists change, ignoring contrary data.
In simple terms: Science changes with evidence; faith can be rigid.
Key Takeaway
Remain open to new evidence.
Themes
science
faith
open‑mindedness
Mood
analytical
curious
Type
philosophical
debate
When to use this quote
- public policy
- education
- personal belief systems
Key Concepts
epistemology
cognitive bias
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance evidence with personal beliefs?
- When is it appropriate to hold onto a belief despite contrary data?
A Different Perspective
Faith can provide comfort even when evidence conflicts.
![“Many historians regard him [Offa] as the most powerful Anglo-Saxon king before Alfred the Great. In the 780s he extended his power over most of Southern England. One of the most remarkable extantfrom King Offa's reign is a gold coin that is kept in the British Museum. On one side, it carries the…” quote by Jim Al-Khalili](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/342/jim-al-khalili-25557_british-museum_many-historians-regard-him-offa-as-the-m_413618.jpg)
