Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, then that of blindfolded fear.
- Thomas Jefferson, third US president, architect and author (1743-1826)
Note that Jefferson uses the word "question," not "doubt."
Doubt is a lazy man's way of copping out of something. Rather than actually thinking or working through a question or problem that goes deeper than what appears on the surface, many people simply express their doubt about the thoughts of others, then run.
Those who strike this way and run find it easier than having to stand up for what they believe in and develop evidence into proofs, or at least acceptable positions.
To question something means that a person is prepared to expend some effort to work with facts and hypotheses, indeed to distinguish fact from opinion in many cases, to reach a workable conclusion.
We find this difference most often in political parties. Party members may support their candidates, offer their time and money and work toward the goals of the party, but few have ever stood toe to toe with someone who supports an opposing party and debated the fundamentals of each party's positions. They shout their doubts at each other, but they may not question what is in their own hearts.
It's easy to doubt the existence of God. A simple thought or sentence will do it. To question whether God exists based on the evidence available to science is quite another matter.
I don't know of a single person who has examined the breadth and depth of knowledge provided by modern science, looking at the subject from the viewpoints of as many disciplines as possible, who has not said, at least, "the evidence is overwhelming."
Question everything. Doubt nothing. Doubt will earn you nothing. Questioning will lead you to more questions, but that is what the human mind was created to do, to absorb and process far more information than one person can gather in a lifetime.
Bill Allin
'Turning It Around: Causes and Cures for Today's Epidemic Social Problems,' striving to encourage everyone to ask questions.
Learn more at http://billallin.com
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Comments: 18
It vexes me that people make passionate arguments for something without looking into or even listening to what the other side is saying. Sometimes I find when I do, I discover that I actually change my mind or have a different outlook on something I had than before. I'm not afraid to admit if I am wrong on something. Maybe most people are.
There are two subjects I will talk about, but when I run across extremist I prefer to walk away. Those subjects are religion and politics.
William, there is no doubt (doubt?) that the best thing we can do with some people is to walk away from them. They are intellectual bullies who are more interested in bringing us to their side than in being correct.
Linda, asking questions brings more questions so that we become more active intellectually as we get older and perhaps less active physically. That's how nature made us.
My father and I rarely agreed on things, but he always welcomed the challenges and arguments, and I either got stronger for having to defend my points or learned where I was mistaken.
No doubt (doubt?) your father challenged you to think beyond the obvious to delve into what was below the surface.
There is nothing wrong with having a strong opinion on something with the information you have collected, but always try to keep an open mind to new ideas/thought.
Thanks Bill.
"the evidence is overwhelming."
You never say for what. ?
John Knight, it's my purpose to get you to ask questions until you have the answers you need, not to provide them for you. Unless you do the work to find what is available, that overwhelming evidence doesn't look very impressive.
So I asked a question. I guess your plan worked.
Your right, I guess I wondered if you were saying that all these people see the evidence pointing to the same conclusion, which I personally would like, but find hard to believe.
Socrates never provided the answers; he only asked the questions, which led to further questions, on every damned thing under the sun. Every human being has enough reasoning power to examine life. Questioning doesn't lead to confusion though one may not, necessarily, find the ultimate answers. Strangely, the enlightenment comes out of the realization that the universe is unfathomable. Questioning is distinct from doubting inasmuch as it doesn't hamper day-to-day living. You can still confidently take your next step with the firm belief that the ground beneath is firm and not an illusion that will plunge you to an abyss.
Wow! Dolphi, I love what you wrote.
By asking questions, we open ourselves to wisdom. By doubting, we close ourselves from it.
All that is is unfathomable. Yet we can explore as long as we like. The sooner we disabuse ourselves of the notion that we are masters of the universe, the better of we and the universe will be.