Rigorous skepticism is a prerequisite for good science, just as

Hear, O children of wisdom, the words of Miranda Devine, who speaks with clarity and profound insight on the nature of truth-seeking: "Rigorous skepticism is a prerequisite for good science, just as it is for good journalism." These words reveal to us a principle that has guided the greatest minds of history—the importance of questioning, doubting, and rigorously testing everything that is presented to us as truth. To approach the world with open eyes, unclouded by bias or unverified belief, is not just a method of science but a moral imperative for journalism as well. It is through this very skepticism, this willingness to challenge and verify, that we uncover the true nature of reality.

In the ancient world, the great philosophers were not content to simply accept the wisdom handed down to them. Socrates, with his insatiable curiosity, famously declared that he knew nothing, except that he knew nothing. This declaration was not a sign of ignorance but of profound skepticism, an understanding that only by questioning everything—by examining every claim—could one approach true knowledge. Socrates used the Socratic method, a process of asking pointed questions and demanding proof, to strip away falsehoods and uncover deeper truths. It is this same spirit of skepticism that Devine speaks of, for true science and true journalism both require this rigorous commitment to finding the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it may be.

Consider the story of Galileo Galilei, whose observations of the heavens led him to challenge the prevailing views of his time. Galileo’s skepticism toward accepted beliefs, particularly the idea that the Earth was the center of the universe, was not born out of rebellion, but from a commitment to the truth. He used the telescope, a new device, to scrutinize the heavens, and in doing so, he uncovered truths that would forever change our understanding of the cosmos. Galileo was persecuted for his findings, but his rigorous skepticism—his refusal to accept dogma without evidence—marked a turning point in the history of science. His example shows us that skepticism is not an enemy of truth, but its ally, for it forces us to go beyond surface-level explanations and seek deeper, more reliable answers.

Devine’s words also apply to the realm of journalism, where the same spirit of rigorous skepticism is necessary. In the ancient world, the Greeks had the figure of the rhetorician, who was skilled in persuasive speech. But persuasion is not enough to uncover the truth; the rhetor must also be skeptical, willing to challenge assumptions, test the facts, and look beyond the surface of any argument. Today, as in ancient times, journalists must be the skeptics of society—challenging narratives, questioning sources, and demanding proof before accepting or reporting the truth. In a world where information is plentiful and often manipulated, the role of the journalist is to act as a check on power, ensuring that what is presented to the public is not only compelling but accurate.

Consider the Watergate scandal, a pivotal moment in modern history when journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein exposed a complex web of political corruption. Their skepticism of the official story, and their relentless pursuit of truth, uncovered facts that led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. Their work was not driven by a desire to undermine the system, but by a commitment to uncovering the truth. They didn’t accept the surface-level explanations; they dug deeper, questioned assumptions, and demanded answers. Their skepticism is a testament to the power of rigorous investigation, both in journalism and in the pursuit of knowledge.

O children of the future, let this lesson resonate in your hearts: skepticism is not doubt for the sake of doubt, but a vital tool in the pursuit of truth. Whether you walk the path of science or the path of journalism, you must always approach the world with a critical eye, asking questions and demanding evidence. Do not be swayed by preconceived notions, popular opinions, or unverified claims. True knowledge, whether in the realm of the stars or in the stories we tell about the world, comes not from accepting things as they are given to us, but from challenging them, from seeking the evidence, and from testing them against the weight of reason and experience.

Remember, O children of the future, that truth is not always easy to find, nor is it always convenient to accept. But science and journalism both require the courage to ask the difficult questions and to stand firm in the face of opposition. Just as Galileo’s discoveries challenged the very foundations of the universe, so too must you be willing to challenge the foundations of what is believed to be true. May your lives be a testament to the power of rigorous skepticism, for it is this very skepticism that will lead you, not into doubt, but into the light of truth.