Absolutes Quote by Thomas Huxley
“Agnosticism is not properly described as a "negative" creed, nor indeed as a creed of any kind, except in so far as it expresses absolute faith in the validity of a principle which is as much ethical as intellectual.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Essays on Evolution and Ethics, Thomas Huxley, 1889
Agnosticism affirms a principle that is both moral and intellectual, rather than a negative or empty belief system.
In simple terms: Agnosticism is a positive principle about ethics and knowledge.
Key Takeaway
Recognize agnosticism as a constructive stance.
Themes
faith
ethics
knowledge
belief
philosophy
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- personal belief formation
- academic discourse
- interfaith dialogue
Key Concepts
epistemology
moral philosophy
skepticism
Questions to Reflect On
- How does agnosticism shape moral decisions?
- Can uncertainty be a strength?
A Different Perspective
It may be seen as indecisive or lacking commitment.
![“Perhaps no order of mammals presents us with so extraordinary a series of gradations as this [step by step, from humans to apes to monkeys to lemurs] - leading us insensibly from the crown and summit of the animal creation down to creatures, from which there is but a step, as it seems, to the…” quote by Thomas Huxley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f0b/thomas-huxley-1183_animal_perhaps-no-order-of-mammals-presents-us_3051.jpg)
![“Their [the U.S.’s] defense budget in absolute figures is almost 25 times bigger than Russia’s. This is what in defense is referred to as ‘their home — their fortress.’ And good for them, I say. Well done!” quote by Vladimir Putin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ec3/vladimir-putin-261_absolutes_their-the-u-s-s-defense-budget-in-absolu_10791.jpg)
