Quote by Carl Sagan
In science it often happens that scientists say, 'You know that's a really good argument; my position is mistaken,' and then they would actually change their minds and you never hear that old view from them again. They really do it. It doesn't happen as often as it should, because scientists are human and change is sometimes painful. But it happens every day. I cannot recall the last time something like that happened in politics or religion.
Summary
This quote highlights the fundamental difference between science and other realms such as politics and religion. It emphasizes the willingness of scientists to accept new evidence, revise their opinions, and discard old beliefs, which is integral to the progress of scientific knowledge. While scientists regularly admit when they are wrong and actively embrace change, the same level of intellectual humility and openness to reconsideration is often lacking in political and religious domains. This quote comments on the unique quality of self-correction inherent in scientific practice in contrast to the dogmatism found in other spheres of human inquiry.
By Carl Sagan
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