Do not believe in anything (simply) because you have heard it.
Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations.
Do not believe in anything because it is spoken and rumored by many.
Do not believe in anything (simply) because it is found written in your religious books.
Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders.
But after observation and analysis (thinking critically), when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all then accept it and live up to it.
~Gautama Buddha~
Anguttara Nikaya, Vol. 1
