David Eagleman Quotes

What can be explained by the assumption of fewer things is vainly explained by the assumption of more things.

Plurality should not be posited without necessity.

No more things should be presumed to exist than are absolutely necessary, i.e., the fewer assumptions an explanation of a phenomenon depends on, the better the explanation

It is better to adopt the simplest explanation, even if it is not simple, even if it does not explain very much. A bright light is not necessary, a taper is all one needs to live in strangeness, if it faithfully burns.

Entia non sunt multiplicanda praeter necessitatem

If I have learned anything as a scientist, it is that one should not make things complicated when a simple explanation will do.

I think simplicity is a good guide: The more economical a theory, the better.

In analyzing history do not be too profound, for often the causes are quite superficial.

The more one-dimensional an explanation of something complex and far reaching, the greater the grounds for skepticism.

There are truths to be discovered, but they are complex and many-sided; the best way to get to them is by engaging contrary ideas in a manner approximating dialogue.

Appreciating complexity while searching through its thickets to find essential factors leads to understanding.

I grew up in this house of intellectuals, and for me, it wasn't, like, a negative thing. And what I've discovered is, for a lot of people, it is. But I think knowing history, liking to talk about ideas - like, I just genuinely like to geek out and go on these intellectual thought journeys.

When deciding between two competing theories, always go with the one that doesn't involve a magic spell.

It's not a silly question if you can't answer it.

The simplest explanation is always the most likely.

It really comes down to parsimony, economy of explanation. It is possible that your car engine is driven by psychokinetic energy, but if it looks like a petrol engine, smells like a petrol engine and performs exactly as well as a petrol engine, the sensible working hypothesis is that it is a petrol engine.

Science is not sacrosanct. The mere fact that it exists, is admired, has results is not sufficient for making it a measure of excellence. Modern science arose from global objections against earlier views and rationalism itself, the idea that there are general rules and standards for conducting our affairs, affairs of knowledge included, arose from global objections to common sense.

Public discourse requires making an argument for a point of view, not having an argument - as in having a fight.

Pluralitas non est ponenda sine necessitate. A plurality (of reasons) should not be posited without necessity.

It is vain philosophy that supposes more causes than are exactly adequate to explain the phenomena of things.

Always be skeptical about simplicity.

Where there is much desire to learn, there of necessity will be much arguing, much writing, many opinions; for opinion in good men is but knowledge in the making.

He that is not open to conviction is not qualified for discussion.

Between the semi-educated, who offer simplistic answers to complex questions, and the overeducated, who offer complicated answers to simple questions, it is a wonder that any questions get satisfactorily answered at all.

People are naive about such things, and they would rather write them off as evil than attempt to understand them. An unfortunate truth, but a truth nonetheless.