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Michael Shermer

Michael Shermer Quotes

Writer

Michael Shermer is an American writer, historian, and science writer. Born on September 8, 1954, he is known for his research on science, pseudoscience, and rational behavior. Shermer is a contributing writer for 'Scientific American' magazine and the founder and publisher of 'Skeptic' magazine. His writings cover a wide range of topics from history to scientific philosophy.

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Famous Michael Shermer Quotes

“I am an atheist. There, I said it. Are you happy, all you atheists out there who have remonstrated with me for adopting the agnostic moniker? If "atheist" means someone who does not believe in God, then an atheist is what I am. But I detest all such labels. Call me what you like - humanist, secular humanist, agnostic, nonbeliever, nontheist, freethinker, heretic, or even bright. I prefer skeptic.”

Ifs Believe Mean Doe Said Atheist Labels Call Me Humanist Believe In God Secular Agnostic Skeptic Freethinker Heretic Adopting Detest

Author:Michael Shermer

“Being a skeptic just means being rational and empirical: thinking and seeing before believing.”

Thinking Believe Mean Seeing Rational Skeptic

Author:Michael Shermer

“In principle, skeptics are neither closed-minded nor cynical. We are curious but cautious.”

Principles Curious Cynical Cautious Skeptic Closed Minded

Author:Michael Shermer

“I’m a skeptic not because I do not want to believe, but because I want to know.”

Knows Want Believe Skeptic

Book:The Believing Brain: From Ghosts and Gods to Politics and Conspiracies---How We Construct Beliefs and Reinforce Them as Truths

Source: The Believing Brain: From Ghosts and Gods to Politics and Conspiracies---How We Construct Beliefs and Reinforce Them as Truths

“... In a free society, skeptics are the watchdogs against irrationalism - the consumer advocates of ideas. Debunking is not simply the divestment of bunk; its utility is in offering a better alternative, along with a lesson on how thinking goes wrong.”

Thinking Ideas Lessons Libertarian Alternatives Consumers Offering Utility Skeptic Free Society Bunk

Author:Michael Shermer

“I’m a skeptic not because I do not want to believe, but because I want to know. How can we tell the difference between what we would like to be true and what is actually true? The answer is science.”

Knows Want Believe Differences Answers Know How Being True Skeptic

Book:The Believing Brain: From Ghosts and Gods to Politics and Conspiracies---How We Construct Beliefs and Reinforce Them as Truths

Source: The Believing Brain: From Ghosts and Gods to Politics and Conspiracies---How We Construct Beliefs and Reinforce Them as Truths