Stephen Jay Gould on ideas

In science, ‘fact’ can only mean ‘confirmed to such a degree that it would be perverse to withhold provisional assent.’ I suppose that apples might start to rise tomorrow, but the possibility does not merit equal time in physics classrooms.

The true beauty of nature is her amplitude; she exists neither for nor because of us, and possesses a staying power that all our nuclear arsenals cannot threaten (much as we can easily destroy our puny selves).

If there is any consistent enemy of science, it is not religion, but irrationalism.

Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people.

Eleanor Roosevelt1884–1962

It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.

Aristotle384–322 BC

• Education

One resists the invasion of armies; one does not resist the invasion of ideas.

Victor Hugo1802–1885