Science rests on reason and experiment, and can meet an opponent with calmness; but a belief is always sensitive.

The practical effect of a belief is the real test of its soundness.

Most of our so-called reasoning consists in finding arguments for going on believing as we already do.

I think the reason people are dealing with science less well now than 50 years ago is that it has become so complicated.

Well, a man can but hold fast to what he believes right, and even the opponent he baulks should value him for that.

More importantly, it is difficult to study minds because we are mental beings. We have our own minds to maintain and protect, and may not wish to discover facts that force us to change, or make us question our own being in the world, or conflict with our sense of right and wrong. We have not discussed belief systems known as religions to any extent in this book. However, particularly threatening are facts that run counter to our
religious beliefs, especially if those beliefs are strongly held. Further, scientists have hopes, standards, and ethical beliefs, and they—like anybody—are not eager to find that their beliefs are invalid.