Quote by Patri Friedman
A scientist can be tactful and PC with his mouth, but not his ears or eyes and certainly not his mind. Truth must reign there above all. For your first allegiance is either to Truth or to Ignorance. Worry about offending, and you are choosing Ignorance.
Summary
This quote emphasizes the importance of prioritizing truth in the scientific pursuit over concerns of being offensive or politically correct. It suggests that a scientist should not only speak truthfully but also be open-minded and receptive to new ideas, regardless of whether they may challenge existing beliefs or norms. By emphasizing the allegiance to truth, the quote suggests that prioritizing sensitivity or fear of offense can hinder the progress of knowledge and understanding. Making choices based on avoiding offense is equated with choosing ignorance, implying that a commitment to truth requires a willingness to explore uncomfortable or controversial topics.