Skepticism is not a position that you stake out ahead of time and stick to no matter what. Michael Shermer aheadmatterposition Change image and share on social
When alien abductees recount to me their stories, I do not deny that they had a real experience. Michael Shermer abducteealiendeny Change image and share on social
In principle, skeptics are neither closed-minded nor cynical. We are curious but cautious. Michael Shermer cautiousclosecurious Change image and share on social
The case for exploiting animals for food, clothing and entertainment often relies on our superior intelligence, language and self-awareness: the rights of the superior being trump those of the inferior. Michael Shermer animalawarenesscase share on social
Scientists are skeptics. It's unfortunate that the word 'skeptic' has taken on other connotations in the culture involving nihilism and cynicism. Really, in its pure and original meaning, it's just thoughtful inquiry. Michael Shermer connotationculturecynicism share on social
In the long run, it is better to understand the way the world really is rather than how we would like it to be. Michael Shermer longrununderstand Change image and share on social
There are checks and balances in science. There's somebody checking the people doing the science, and then there's somebody who checks the checkers and somebody who checks the checker's checkers. Michael Shermer balancecheckchecker Change image and share on social
I always accepted the libertarian position of minimum regulation in the sale and use of firearms because I placed guns under the beneficial rubric of minimal restrictions on individuals. Michael Shermer acceptbeneficialfirearm Change image and share on social
One of the features of a democracy is the disentanglement of the sacred from the secular because in religiously pluralistic countries, no one can legitimately claim special status by faith membership. Michael Shermer claimcountrydemocracy Change image and share on social
The principal barrier to a general acceptance of the monist position is that it is counterintuitive. Michael Shermer acceptancebarriercounterintuitive Change image and share on social
