[Children] are taught that it is a virtue to accept…
![“[Children] are taught that it is a virtue to accept statements without adequate evidence, which leaves them a prey to quacks of every kind in later life, and makes it very difficult for them to accept the methods of thought which are successful in science.” quote by John B. S. Haldane](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7a1/john-b-s-haldane-10480_accepting_children-are-taught-that-it-is-a-virtue_2704903.jpg)
“[Children] are taught that it is a virtue to accept statements without adequate evidence, which leaves them a prey to quacks of every kind in later life, and makes it very difficult for them to accept the methods of thought which are successful in science.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Social Function of Science, 1933
Teaching children to accept claims without proof makes them vulnerable to pseudoscience and hinders scientific reasoning.
In simple terms: Blind acceptance harms critical thinking.
Key Takeaway
Encourage evidence‑based skepticism.
Themes
education
critical thinking
science literacy
Mood
thoughtful
concerned
Type
educational
inspirational
When to use this quote
- school curricula
- parental guidance
- media consumption
- public policy
Key Concepts
epistemology
cognitive bias
skepticism
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance healthy skepticism with curiosity?
- What strategies foster evidence‑based belief?
A Different Perspective
May discourage open‑mindedness if applied rigidly.