“The civilized man has a moral obligation to be skeptical, to demand the credentials of all statements that claim to be facts.”

The Natural History of Nonsense - Perfect

The hypothetical "civilized man" always would do so.

I'd like to see statements shown to have no merit withdrawn with the same fanfare they are publicized. I'd settle for a simple announcement the statement is wrong.

The civilized man has another obligation -- to be willing to stand up to scrutiny himself in order to root out that which is false within him, too.

Archer is correct. Skepticism is good, but as such, it assumes some doubt and requires an open mind.

Why doesn'y this get applied to evolution? How long could it stand after a little scrutiny? This quote lived out will keep many ideas in check!

Well, like one said..."Its not that they don't know a lot...its that so much of what they know just ain't so." The misinformation campaigns are alive and well...and some people believe their cause is "so great" that lying is perfectly acceptable. Poppycock! Facts are pesky things and they will, as the Great one said--"Find you out."

The truth always comes along to bite you in the butt...if you don't seek it out first.

Blake, what the heck are you talking about and do you live under a rock. Evolution is attacked all the time by fundamentalists everywhere. How about a little skepticism on creationism? A quote from the Buddha goes like this: "Believe nothing, no matter where you read it or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense". People should be skeptical of and examine everything instead of just taking it on faith. This goes for politics, religion and the Bible.

Archer and jim said well. The fact is that you and I are here. The fact of where we came from is a belief supported or rejected by what ever evidence is given the most credence. As to an obligatory skepticism, the only facts as to the legitimacy of the current theocracy's chief executive is a photo-shopped / layer filled birth certificate that is out or order, an SSN that belonged to a man that died in Hawaii, a draft # ?, etc. hmm - good thought

Ah, " And he, the Spirit of Truth shall convict the world of sin, judgement and righteousness." A blanket policy. The natural law of morality, comes prior to experience. A subjective fact." Through a higher education one understands forces unseen. As with calculations through/by mathematics, loads and stresses are understood. They are not seen but ever present in the realm of intelligence. " The letter killeth, but the spirit gives life." A very overlooked bit of truth, perhaps intentional with some parties, seeking to hide the true doctrines of Liberty. Keeps people slaves to doubt, the pews are full, followers living in constant fear. Numbers Do Not Lie. " Let him that hath wisdom number". One must first believe, then taught proper codification and meaning of numbers, then, as they are applied. To dig the gold out of a very old mine, the paths must be shown and taught. This denied the general public, they reside in perpetual darkness. When revealed, the light of knowledge and understanding strengthens the believer. The knowledge of God exist within natural laws, the Spirit guides the search. Naturally intentions are measured, based upon moral standing. It is one thing to be at liberty, it is another to be found honest and worthy of enlightenment. Applied mathematics reveal the greatest of mysteries, concerning things unseen. Such as the real God of nature. Honest and just, he is well balanced ! Semper Fi