Age Quote by William James
“...These healers...my intellect has been unable to assimilate their theories…But their facts are patent and startling; and anything that interferes with the multiplication of such facts, and with our freest opportunity of observing and studying them, will, I believe, be a public calamity.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Principles of Psychology, 1890
Intellectual openness to new theories is essential; suppressing factual discoveries harms scientific progress
In simple terms: Open-mindedness to facts is vital for science
Key Takeaway
Protect and share factual knowledge freely
Themes
science
philosophy
open inquiry
truth
progress
Mood
inquisitive
analytical
serious
Type
scientific
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- research labs
- academic conferences
- education curricula
- public policy debates
Key Concepts
empiricism
critical thinking
intellectual freedom
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance skepticism with openness?
- What safeguards protect scientific discourse?
A Different Perspective
Rigid dogma can stifle innovation and understanding
