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
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
Mysteries once thought to be supernatural or paranormal happenings - such as astronomical or meteorological events - are incorporated into science once their causes are understood. Michael Shermer astronomicaleventhappening Change image and share on social
Having a Nobel Prize or being a famous scientist will get you a week to a week and a half, metaphorically speaking, of a hearing for your new idea, but after that, it's going to tank if you don't have the evidence and support for it. Michael Shermer evidencefamoushalf share on social
We know evolution happened because innumerable bits of data from myriad fields of science conjoin to paint a rich portrait of life's pilgrimage. Michael Shermer bitconjoindatum Change image and share on social
Myths are stories that express meaning, morality or motivation. Whether they are true or not is irrelevant. Michael Shermer expressirrelevantmean Change image and share on social
Through no divine design or cosmic plan, we have inherited the mantle of life's caretaker on the earth, the only home we have ever known. Michael Shermer caretakercosmicdesign Change image and share on social
The actual atoms and molecules that make up my brain and body today are not the same ones that I was born with on September 8, 1954, a half-century ago this month. Michael Shermer actualagoatom 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
Scientific prayer makes God a celestial lab rat, leading to bad science and worse religion. Michael Shermer badbadlycelestial Change image and share on social