Skeptical Quotes
Every aspect of Nature reveals a deep mystery and touches our sense of wonder and awe. Those afraid of the universe as it really is, those who pretend to nonexistent knowledge and envision a Cosmos centered on human beings will prefer the fleeting comforts of superstition. They avoid rather than confront the world. But those with the courage to explore the weave and structure of the Cosmos, even where it differs profoundly from their wishes and prejudices, will penetrate its deepest mysteries.
Where people are baffled, they are often tempted to resort to mystical explanations.
Believing something is not an accomplishment. I grew up thinking that beliefs are something to be proud of, but they`re really nothing but opinions one refuses to reconsider. Beliefs are easy.
Instinct and intuition play an important part in human understanding and experience... but they should never be treated as the final word on a subject.
No matter how unlikely an event is, it doesn`t mean that a supernatural explanation would be more likely, especially when you consider the fact that in order for us to accept such an explanation, we have to agree that scientific models of nature that have consistently and accurately explained and predicted many natural events are completely wrong simply because we have witnessed an unlikely event.
Not knowing the answer to a question is not a valid excuse for making up a fairytale to explain it.
The stronger your beliefs are, the less open you are to growth and wisdom, because "strength of belief" is only the intensity with which you resist questioning yourself.
When people are taught to let go of difficult questions and trust whatever religious authorities tell them? That it`s better to trust their feelings than their critical thinking skills? That evidence and reason are less important than faith? That "doubter" is a synonym for "sinner"? They become vulnerable to every cheater, chiseler, swindler, con artist, and late night infomercial huckster who` s lucky enough to cross their gullible paths.
There is no shame in not knowing. The problem arises when irrational thought [...] fill the vacuum left by ignorance.
Debunking bad science should be constant obligation of the science community, even if it takes time away from serious research or seems to be a losing battle.