ISS-18 摘

18." Only by being forced to defend an idea against the doubts and contrasting views of others does one really discover the value of that idea."

Keys: doubt and contrasting views

A. Without doubt and contrasting ideas, laziness of thought dominates us and suffices us with only superficial knowledge of a topic. 举例，在伽利略提出反对亚里士多德的观点以前，人们对于亚里士多德的观点盲目相信了很长时间，就是因为没有异议和反对的观点。

B. When the idea held is challenged, however, we are motivated to defend it against doubts and disagreements. In order to convincing others of the value of the idea, we have to persuade ourselves first. Therefore we will look inside the idea, considering its stability and soundness in order to diminish the doubts cast on the idea. On the other hand, we must have a good understanding of the contrasting views by rational analysis and comparison rather than abruptly dismiss them as nonsense. Only then can we find the flaws in our own idea and the merits in others', thus modify it accordingly.

C. Defending our idea is not the only method to obtain discovery. Thorough research can enlighten as well.


1. HE that knows nothing, doubts nothing.

2.Truth may be blamed, but shall never be shamed.

3.As long as the world shall last there will be worngs, and if no man rebelled, those wrongs would last forever.