Evening star., 1934-01-21

the so-called brain trust Of the Roosevelt ad-
mnistration.
If people cid think scientifically the depres-
sion could never have occurred and many OF
the social ills of this twentieth century world
could not exist
individuals who are in the habit of think
ng straight do not invest in enterprises OF
which they know little nothing" DR.. Noll
,eclares. They do not mortgage their homes
N order to buy expensive luxuries or get rich
overnight. MOI do they look down on their
friends and acquaintances who refuse to DO
these things.
We still spend millions Of dollars annually
on worthless or positively harmful nostrumS.
We buy almanacs that predict the weather for
year in advance. We judge man by his
4cai characteristics we vote for or against
in because of his cloths, or his religion or
IS wife's personality We still have mediums,
oothsayers, phrenologists, palmists, mind read
S and astroIogers, patroniZed and supported
W persons in all walks Of life"
Do you think scientifically?
In order TO develop a scientific attitude, you
-lust develop six fundamental habits of
linking Dr. Noll says. Look the list over and
how many of these habits you have de-
oped in yourself.
l. Habit of accuracy.
2 Habit of intellectual honesty.
3 Habit Of -mindedness.
4 Habit of suspended judgment.
s. Habit of looking for true cause and ef
. ct relationships.
6 Habit of criticism including self criticism.
DERHAPS these need some explanation. The
habit Of accuracy means accuracy in little
everyday matters well in programs of
scientific research. The everyday matter may
turn out to be much more important than it
seems at the time.
IF the chemist makes very small error in
the determination of the exact atomic weight
of an element, the population as whole may
be little affected DR.. Noll commented
However, If those responsible for the Inflated
Akron had Judged weather conditions differ
emily perhaps 73 lives could have been spared
The switchman of packed subway trains
may by a slight inaccuracy endanger the safety
of several thousand persons. The inaccuracies
of bankers and investment houses, willful or
otherwise, have caused thousands to lose their
homes and the savings of lifetime"
You know, among your friends, the person
who is always right, not just in his own opin-
ion, but in fact-the person who gives correct
change, who remembers dates correctly if at all,
who repeats things just they are said to him,
who never halls you as Kelly when your name
is Keely. You also know the person whose
statements must always be taken with the pro-
verbal pinch of salt, not because Of any lack
Of truthfulness but simply because he is so
often in error.
Intellectual honesty IS another habit that is
quite apart from what is usually thought Of as
moral honesty. Intellectual dishonesty is quite
respectable and INDUCED In by the most hon
cred and self-respecting individuals
1t is what makes the salesman wax over
enthusiastic about the merits Of the article he
wants to sell. It is what causes the public
speaker to overlook the arguments of his oppo-
nents 1t is what makes the person conducting
statistical studies or surveys find just what he
is looking for.
mo man is Intellectually honest, has the
scientific attitude if he permits personal pride,
as, prejudice or ambition to cause him In
any way to pervert the truth" DR.. Nol de-
t-4iG
individual researches and even large-scale