History warns us, however, that it is the customary fate of new truths to begin as heresies and to end as superstitions; and, as matters now stand, it is hardly rash to anticipate that, in another twenty years, the new generation, educated under the influences of the present day, will be in danger of accepting the main doctrines of the 'Origin of Species' with as little reflection, and it may be with as little justification, as so many of our contemporaries, twenty years ago, rejected them. Against any such a consummation let us all devoutly pray; for the scientific spirit is of more value than its products, and irrationally held truths may be more harmful than reasoned errors.


"The Coming of Age of The Origin of Species" (1880); Collected Essays, vol. 2.

The Coming of Age of [mathcs.clarku.edu]

Thomas Henry Huxley Quotes

History warns us, however, that it is the customary fate of new truths to begin as heresies and to end as superstitions; and, as matters now stand,...

History warns us, however, that it is the customary fate of new truths to begin as heresies and to end as superstitions; and, as matters now stand,...

History warns us, however, that it is the customary fate of new truths to begin as heresies and to end as superstitions; and, as matters now stand,...

History warns us, however, that it is the customary fate of new truths to begin as heresies and to end as superstitions; and, as matters now stand,...