The Everlasting Man · Chapter
Appendix II: On Authority and Accuracy explained
Chesterton clarifies that his criticisms in the book are aimed at sophists who explain things away, not at serious scientists.
What happens
Chesterton clarifies that his criticisms in the book are aimed at sophists who explain things away, not at serious scientists. He acknowledges his debt to scholarly research and corrects several ambiguous or misleading allusions in earlier chapters, emphasizing that his arguments are relative and not intended to undermine genuine scientific work.
Key passages
“I am not arguing with the scientist who explains the elephant, but only with the sophist who explains it away.”
Chesterton distinguishes between genuine scientific explanation and sophistry that dismisses reality.
Clarifies the target of his critique.
“We all owe an infinite debt to the researches, especially the recent researches, of single-minded students in these matters; and I have only professed to pick up things here and there from them.”
Chesterton acknowledges his reliance on and gratitude for the work of dedicated scholars.
Expresses humility and respect for scientific research.
“I may say that the Pyramids are plainer than the tracks of the desert, without denying that wiser men than I may see tracks in what is to me the trackless sand.”
Chesterton asserts that some truths are obvious to him, while acknowledging that others may perceive subtleties he cannot.
Illustrates his relative and humble stance.