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Notable Quotables on Consensus

You have likely heard that 97% of scientists agree that increasing greenhouse gas emissions are driving unusual and unprecedented dangerous warming. The 200-plus scientists and experts at the CO2 Coalition take strong exception to this. Many notable scientists and historical figures also disagree on the application of "consensus science."


I don’t see a whole lot of difference between the consensus on climate change and the consensus on witches. At the witch trials in Salem the judges were educated at Harvard. This was supposedly 100% science. The one or two people who said there were no witches were immediately hung. Not much has changed.

  Will Happer


In questions of science, the authority of a thousand is not worth the humble reasoning of a single individual.

  Galileo


There is no such thing as consensus science. If it’s consensus, it isn’t science. If it’s science, it isn’t consensus. Period.

  Michael Crichton


I would rather have questions that can't be answered than answers that can't be questioned.

  Richard Feynman


I regard consensus science as an extremely pernicious development that ought to be stopped cold in its tracks. Historically, the claim of consensus has been the first refuge of scoundrels; it is a way to avoid debate by claiming that the matter is already settled.                       

  Michael Crichton


Most institutions demand unqualified faith; but the institution of science makes skepticism a virtue.

  Robert K. Merton


When a politician says the debate is over, you can be sure of two things: the debate is raging, and he’s losing it.

  George Will


Nullius addictus iurare in verba magistri. (Be skeptical of the experts).

  Horace



Whenever you hear the consensus of scientists agrees on something or other, reach for your wallet, because you’re being had.

  Michael Crichton


The fact that an opinion has been widely held is no evidence whatever that it is not utterly absurd; indeed, in view of the silliness of the majority of mankind, a widespread belief is more likely to be foolish than sensible.

  Bertrand Russell


A nation that is afraid to let its people judge the truth and falsehood in an open market is a nation that is afraid of its people.

  John F. Kennedy


Genius abhors consensus because when consensus is reached,

thinking stops.

  Albert Einstein


A consensus means that everyone agrees to say collectively what

no one believes individually.

  Abba Eban, Israeli diplomat (1915 – 2002)


Audiatur et altera pars. (Let both sides be fairly heard.)

  Fundamental principle of western law


This information concerning "consensus" was taken from Gregory Wrightstone's most recent book, A Very Convenient Warming.


Available now at Amazon.



Gregory Wrightstone

 

Executive Director,

CO2 Coalition



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