“Political or military commentators, like astrologers, can survive almost any mistake, because their more devoted followers do not look to them for an appraisal of the facts but for the stimulation of nationalistic loyalties.” — George Orwell, Notes on Nationalism
“Fact I know; and Law I know; but what is this Necessity, save an empty shadow of my own mind’s throwing?” — Thomas Huxley, “On The Physical Basis of Life,” “Lay Sermons, Addresses, and Reviews” (1870)
“The work of science is to substitute facts for appearances, and demonstrations for impressions.” — John Ruskin, The Stones of Venice Volume 3 (of 3)
“Vintage records, classic cars, and antique clocks might be valuable collectibles, but outdated facts are mental fossils that are best abandoned.” — Adam Grant, Think Again
“A fact will often show poor and plain in contrast to the leapings of imagination.” — Marion L. Starkey, The Devil in Massachusetts
“When facts are insufficient, theorizing is ridiculous at best, misleading at worst.” — Poul Anderson, The Queen of Air and Darkness
“’These,’ he said gravely, ‘are unpleasant facts; I know it. But then most historical facts are unpleasant.’” — Aldous Huxley, Brave New World
“To be conscious that you are ignorant of the facts is a great step to knowledge.” — Benjamin Disraeli, Sybil
“When you tell someone the true facts of a mythical tale they are indignant not with the teller but with you. They don’t want to have their ideas upset.” — Elizabeth Mackintosh, The Daughter of Time
“Civilizations have been founded and maintained on theories which refused to obey facts.” — Joe Orton, What the Butler Saw
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