I therefore define truth as the system of my limitations, and leave absolute truth for those who are better equipped. . . . Certitude is not the test of certainty. (Oliver Wendell Holmes. Quoted by Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., "The Opening of the American Mind," New York Times Book Review, July 23, 1959, 27)
"You do not have to wait to verify that you have found certain, absolute, unassailable truth before sharing the finding. If you have made a mistake and been open about the process that led you to it, someone else will discover it and publish, and the cause of truth will have been advanced another notch. Democratic pluralism, which lets truth emerge from the combat of many voices, is a good environment for both scientist and journalist."
(Philip Meyer, Precision Journalism: Reporter's Introduction to Social Science Methods)
