Richard Dawkins

[Giff]

I think Dawkins mean the "no-contests" are those who don't have any answers. That what the swedish translation is of that qoute.

[Edwardo Piet]

But isn't that the same as the "know-nothings" then?

Or does it mean they don't even have a BAD answer? Like I suggested - perhaps it means they're not willing to argue? They don't want a contest?

[Kyuuketsuki]

I think he meant those with self-evidently ludicrous ideas ... I have reservations about that one.

Kyu

[Giff]

But isn't that the same as the "know-nothings" then?

Or does it mean they don't even have a BAD answer? Like I suggested - perhaps it means they're not willing to argue? They don't want a contest?

It may be as you suggest. Those who are not willing to argue or don't have any good argument to back up their claims.

[Kyuuketsuki]

"A universe with a God would look quite different from a universe without one. A physics, a biology where there is a God is bound to look different."

"I may not always be right, but I care passionately about what is true and I never say anything I do not believe to be right"

"I see the scientific view of the world as incompatible with religion, but that is not what is interesting about it. It is also incompatible with magic, but that also is not worth stressing. What is interesting about the scientific world view is that it is true, inspiring, remarkable and that it unites a whole lot of phenomena under a single heading."

"I think it's important to realise that when two opposite points of view are expressed with equal intensity, the truth does not necessarily lie exactly halfway between them. It is possible for one side to be simply wrong."

"If a paranormalist could really give an unequivocal demonstration of telepathy (precognition, psychokinesis, reincarnation, whatever it is), he would be the discoverer of a totally new principle unknown to physical science. The discoverer of the new energy field that links mind to mind in telepathy, or of the new fundamental force that moves objects around a table top, deserves a Nobel prize and would probably get one. If you are in possession of this revolutionary secret of science, why not prove it and be hailed as the new Newton? Of course, we know the answer. You can't do it. You are a fake."

"It is often said that although there is no positive evidence for the existence of God, nor is there evidence against his existence. So it is best to keep an open mind and be agnostic. At first sight that seems an unassailable position, at least in the weak sense of Pascal's wager. But on second thoughts it seems a cop-out, because the same could be said of Father Christmas and tooth fairies. There may be fairies at the bottom of the garden. There is no evidence for it, but you can't prove that there aren't any, so shouldn't we be agnostic with respect to fairies?"

"Religions do make claims about the universe ... the same kinds of claims that scientists make, except they're usually false."

"Scientific beliefs are supported by evidence, and they get results. Myths and faiths are not and do not."

"We should take astrology seriously. No, I don't mean we should believe in it. I am talking about fighting it seriously instead of humouring it as a piece of harmless fun. There's this thing called being so open-minded your brains drop out."

"The only part of theology that could possibly demand my attention is the part that purports to demonstrate that God does exist. This part of theology I have, indeed, studied with considerable attention. And found it utterly wanting."

OK ... I was bored!

Kyu

[Giff]

Nice quotes Kyu. Dawkins is a real quote machine, don't know how many there are.

[Edwardo Piet]

If you just google: dawkins quotes - there is a shitload.

[Giff]

shitload indeed, is he trying to say things that will end up as quotes or is he just making clever things naturally?

[Edwardo Piet]

The latter I think...I don't think he's thought of them being quoted...

Although PERHAPS a bit of both lol...

Some of them are from his books, some from lectures, some from interviews, etc.

[macskeptic]

"NO!" Richard Dawkins (just that, "NO!") when asked "You've been on debates all over the world, have you ever heard a clever on interesting argument for the 'other side'?" @ American Atheists 2009 Conference in Atlanta - it was the last question, which made the answer even more strident.