“Men become civilized, not in proportion to their willingness to believe, but in proportion to their readiness to doubt.”

Simplified Meaning:

People become more advanced and learn to live better lives not by simply accepting things as they are told, but by questioning and thinking critically about what they hear. When we ask questions and think for ourselves, we can make better decisions and understand the world more deeply. For instance, let's consider medical advancements. In the past, people believed that illnesses were caused by evil spirits. But when doctors and scientists doubted this and began to investigate and seek proof, they discovered germs and bacteria, leading to better treatments and healthier lives. In daily life, this means that instead of just following advice blindly, it's better to ask why and seek understanding. If someone tells you a certain food is healthy, don’t just believe them – do your own research and find out if it's true. By doing this, you become smarter and more independent, making choices that are truly good for you based on evidence and reason, not just because someone said so. Engaging in doubt and inquiry helps us grow and improve our lives and society.