John Stuart Mill Quotes

I propose to beg no question to shrink from no conclusion, but to follow truth wherever it may lead.

In matters of intellect, follow your reason as far as it will take you, without regard for any other consideration.

The principle itself of dogmatic religion, dogmatic morality, dogmatic philosophy, is what requires to be rooted out; not any particular manifestation of that principle. The very corner-stone of an education intended to form great minds, must be the recognition of the principle, that the object is to call forth the greatest possible quantity of intellectual power, and to inspire the intensest love of truth.

Reason and free inquiry are the only effectual agents against error.

Let the winds of evidence blow you about as though you are a leaf, with no direction of your own. Beware lest you fight a rearguard retreat against the evidence, grudgingly conceding each foot of ground only when forced, feeling cheated. Surrender to the truth as quickly as you can.

Science is the refusal to believe on the basis of hope.

I don't want people to say, 'Something is true because Tyson says it is true.' That's not critical thinking.

A philosopher goes where the truth leads and has no patience with mere emotion.

We need a world where the values of science are celebrated: free inquiry, free speech and a healthy skepticism, all coupled with a sense of wonder, a respect for truth and an ability to reason.

In basic research, intellectual rigor and sentimental freedom necessarily alternate.

Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and it is shameful to surrender it too soon or to the first comer; there is nobility in preserving it coolly and proudly through long youth, until at last, in the ripeness of instinct and discretion, it can be safely exchanged for fidelity and happiness.

If there's something you really want to believe, that's what you should question the most.

Reason and free inquiry are the only effectual agents against error... They are the natural enemies of error, and of error only... If [free enquiry] be restrained now, the present corruptions will be protected, and new ones encouraged.

Thought must never submit, neither to a dogma, nor to a party, nor to a passion, nor to an interest, nor to a preconceived idea, nor to whatever it may be, save to the facts themselves, because, for thought, submission would mean ceasing to be.

Reason and free inquiry are the only effective agents against error. Give a loose to them, they will support the true religion by bringing every false one to their tribunal, to the test of their investigation. They are the natural enemies of error and error only. Had not the Roman government permitted free inquiry, Christianity could never have been introduced. Had not free inquiry been indulged at the era of the Reformation, the corruption of Christianity could not have been purged away.

You should not believe a thing only because you like to believe it. We call that 'Diax's Rake.

A just thinker will allow full swing to his scepticism. I dip my pen in the blackest ink, because I am not afraid of falling into my inkpot.... We are of different opinions at different hours, but we always may be said to be at heart on the side of truth.

Science is a way of thinking that helps you not to fool yourself.

Healthy scepticism is the basis of all accurate observation.

Forbear to spew out reason from your mind, but rather ponder everything with keen judgment; and if it seems true, own yourself vanquished, but, if it is false, gird up your loins to fight.

Unscientific man is beset by a deplorable desire to have been right. The scientist is distinguished by a desire to be right.

A truly open mind means forcing our imaginations to conform to the evidence of reality, and not vice versa.

I have one request: may I never use my reason against truth.

We should be similarly wary of accepting common opinions; we should judge them by the ways of reason not by popular vote.

Teach him a certain refinement in sorting out and selecting his arguments, with an affection for relevance and so for brevity. Above all let him be taught to throw down his arms and surrender to truth as soon as he perceives it, whether the truth is born at his rival's doing or within himself from some change in his ideas.