Beliefs should be like fluid entities within the mind, some malleable and doubtful, others more viscous and certain. But feeling certain should never be confused with being incontestable. Once a belief is allowed to solidify, it becomes like a shackle on the mind, inhibiting exploration, learning and growth. A fluid mind should never allow a belief to be so hardened that it is beyond rational scrutiny. A fluid mind always invites rational examination upon even its most cherished convictions.
“Contrary to what anti-science would have you believe, scientists do not fear new discoveries—they long for them. Every action dictated by the scientific method seeks to learn something new, to revise and improve our understanding of nature or history. Major finds represent major improvements to our theories.... When you’re confronted by a discovery, stopping at the popular, supernatural explanation is guaranteed to lead you nowhere.”
—Brian Dunning
Copyright © 2024 Daniel G. Delaney