Quotational physics

The first quote is about how one arrives at the truth.  He is speaking about the Scientific Method, but I find that it applies far more broadly.

"First you guess. Don't laugh, this is the most important step. Then you compute the consequences. Compare the consequences to experience. If it disagrees with experience, the guess is wrong. In that simple statement is the key to science. It doesn't matter how beautiful your guess is or how smart you are or what your name is. If it disagrees with experience, it's wrong. That's all there is to it." - Richard Feynman

This quote seems to follow on from my earlier post and provides a rather concrete answer to my question.  Whether it is pundit, pontiff or politician, if it disagrees with experience, then it should be (at the least) called into question.  The second quote relates to the first and has great resonance with me as of late.

"The Truth may be puzzling.  It may be counter intuitive.  It may contradict deeply held prejudices.  It may not be consistent with what we desperately want to be true.  But our preferences do not determine what is true." - Carl Sagan

Apply to religion, politics or personal life with equanimity.