Honest Doubt

January 1, 1970

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Men are inclined to doubt many things in an age when so much that is false finds itself intermingled with so much that is true. Men are sometimes inclined to overemphasize the virtue of doubt and to doubt even those things which are well supported as to their truth. Indeed, there are those who, for the license that it gives them, profess to doubt even the fundamentals which make civilization possible. Lest we have any misunderstandings about the true nature of doubt, may we say that in and of itself it is neither a vice nor a virtue. It may be good or it may be bad. If it exists for its own sake and perpetuates itself, it is a thing of evil. But if it leads to a search for knowledge and removes itself, it may be a wholesome influence. An honest doubter looks for an answer to his question. But an insincere doubter stubbornly holds to his unbelief for its own sake, shunning the enlightenment that would remove doubt. The logical conclusion of honest doubt is understanding. Either a proposition is true or it is false. When we have determined which, we have removed doubt. In short, that doubt which leads to inquiry and thereby removes itself, is wholesome doubt. But that doubt which feeds and grows upon itself and breeds more doubt, is wrong. To doubt may be a step on the path of knowledge, but should never be the destination. By the open inquiry of an honest mind doubt may be removed even in a world where many have become too satisfied with their doubts.

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