It is only because the majority opinion will always be opposed by some that our knowledge and understanding progress. In the process by which opinion is formed, it is very probable that, by the time any view becomes a majority view, it is no longer the best view: somebody will already have advanced beyond the point which the majority have reached. It is because we do not yet which of the many competing new opinions will prove itself the best that we wait until it has gained sufficient support.
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The human race, to which so many of my readers belong, has been playing at children's games from the beginning, read more
The human race, to which so many of my readers belong, has been playing at children's games from the beginning, and will probably do it till the end, which is a nuisance for the few people who grow up. And one of the games to which it is most attached is called, ''Keep tomorrow dark,'' and which is also named (by the rustics in Shropshire, I have no doubt) ''Cheat the Prophet.'' The players listen very carefully and respectfully to all that the clever men have to say about what is to happen in the next generation. The players then wait until all the clever men are dead, and bury them nicely. Then they go and do something else. That is all. For a race of simple tastes, however, it is great fun.
No amount of artificial reinforcement can offset the natural inequalities of human individuals.
No amount of artificial reinforcement can offset the natural inequalities of human individuals.
Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away.
Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away.
You can shoot the tiger, or stay out of his way, but you cannot pronounce him a vegetarian.
You can shoot the tiger, or stay out of his way, but you cannot pronounce him a vegetarian.
Being right too soon is socially unacceptable.
Being right too soon is socially unacceptable.
I have only a small flickering light to guide me in the darkness of a thick forest. Up comes a read more
I have only a small flickering light to guide me in the darkness of a thick forest. Up comes a theologian and blows it out.
A touchstone to determine the actual worth of an "intellectual"- find out how he feels about astrology.
A touchstone to determine the actual worth of an "intellectual"- find out how he feels about astrology.
Nature, to be commanded, must be obeyed.
Nature, to be commanded, must be obeyed.
To most of us nothing is so invisible as an unpleasant truth. Though it is held before our eyes, pushed read more
To most of us nothing is so invisible as an unpleasant truth. Though it is held before our eyes, pushed under our noses, rammed down our throats- we know it not.
