liveonearth (liveonearth) wrote,
liveonearth
liveonearth

QotD: Mystical Theory

For me, the characteristic features of a mystlcial and therefore untrustworthy, theory are that it is not refutable, that it appeals to authority, that it relies heavily on anecdote, that is makes a virtue of consensus (look how many people believe like me!), and that it takes the high moral ground.  You will notice that this applies to most religions.
--Matt Ridley in Evolution of Everything; How New Ideas Emerge, page 270
Tags: authoritarianism, guru, homeopathy, isms, morality, philosophy, quotes, religion, science, skepticism
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