James Lovelock

What I like about sceptics is that in good science you need critics that make you think: 'Crumbs, have I made a mistake here?' If you don't have that continuously, you really are up the creek. The good sceptics have done a good service, but some of the mad ones I think have not done anyone any favours.

English Scientist

Kofi Annan

We seriously have to question the motivation of those people referred to as climate change sceptics, who are denying the evidence of human-caused climate change and preventing us from moving forward by spreading disinformation and supporting unchecked carbon pollution.

Ghanaian Statesman

Caroline Lucas

Trump is surrounding himself with so many climate sceptics and when he himself says he thinks climate change is a Chinese hoax then there are real concerns.

British Politician

Jos Buttler

When there is change, there are always sceptics who think it won't work. I am sure someone at some point thought the iPhone wouldn't take off.

English Athlete

Ben Okri

I became a sceptic of one way of seeing the world. And I think it is what started me in my awareness that any worldview is superstitious.

Nigerian Poet

Blaise Pascal

Nothing fortifies scepticism more than the fact that there are some who are not sceptics; if all were so, they would be wrong.

French Philosopher

Pierre Bayle

I know too much to be a sceptic and too little to be a dogmatist.

Dan Aykroyd

I accept sceptics, you've got to have challenges.

Canadian Comedian

Caroline Flack

I don't believe in ghosts. I'm a real sceptic.

English Celebrity

David Hockney

English Artist

Used to describe someone who regularly challenges mainstream beliefs, not just in a single instance.

Questioning Mindset

While not inherently negative, 'sceptic' can imply a person is difficult to convince.

May Sound Negative

A sceptic doesn't necessarily deny facts but seeks more evidence before believing.

Not Disbeliever

Indicates uncertainty about religious teachings rather than a rejection of all spirituality.

Specific Doubt

Use carefully in discussions about faith as it might be sensitive or offensive to some.

Sensitive Context

Reflects an ancient philosophical tradition, not just modern questioning or doubt.

Philosophical Roots

Best for discussions of philosophy, might be too formal for everyday conversation.

Academic Tone

 when I got here I looked up Hubert Dreyfus he was a world-renowned professor of philosophy and I talked with him about this and he said this is one of the oldest and most central problems in philosophy it goes back to the sceptics

Sceptic