Dawkins used these words in his lecture, reproduced by Edge. The passage calls for critical tests of paranormal claims, rather than unquestioning acceptance. Edge lecture text ↗
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Evoking the world of Richard Dawkins — Evolutionary biologist. Theme: "By all means let's be open-minded, but not so open-minded that our brains drop out". Atmospheric and restrained, cinematic directional light, a muted period-appropriate palette, fine grain and texture. Compose with generous empty space for the quote and a small credit line. No lettering in the image itself.
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Provenance
The source
Source
Science, Delusion, and the Appetite for Wonder
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By all means let's be open-minded, but not so open-minded that our brains drop out
An excerpt of the wording under discussion; see the source and attribution limitations below.
Dawkins used these words in his lecture, reproduced by Edge. The passage calls for critical tests of paranormal claims, rather than unquestioning acceptance. Edge lecture text ↗
The Edge text confirms his use of this sentence. It does not establish that Dawkins invented the older family of jokes about open minds and escaping brains. Read the supporting source ↗
The identified text or film belongs to the modern copyright period. This short quotation is presented for identification and criticism; no general reuse permission is claimed.
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Richard Dawkins is an evolutionary biologist and science writer. In this lecture he argues that curiosity and skepticism can work together, illustrating how an open mind still needs standards of evidence.
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Science, Delusion, and the Appetite for Wonder. See the linked evidence for the wording and attribution limitations.
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Quotle.info. “Who really said ‘By all means let's be open-minded, but not so open-minded that our brains drop out’?” Last verified 9 Nov 2026. https://quotle.info/who-said/by-all-means-lets-be-open-minded-but-not-so-open-minded/