I have steadily endeavored to keep my mind free so as to give up any hypothesis, however much beloved (and I cannot resist forming one on every subject), as soon as the facts are shown to be opposed to it.

The speaker describes working to keep an open mind: forming theories constantly, even fondly, but dropping any of them once the facts contradict it. The parenthetical admits the habit of theorizing is irresistible, so the discipline lies in letting go of a favorite idea.

Context reviewed 23 September 2026