For subscribers
‘Why is the sky blue?’ The eternal Google search for truth
If we want to figure out what is true, we need to get into the habit of presuming we might be wrong.
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
Carefully checking facts and arguments with a Google search does not guarantee wisdom; instead, truth-seeking citizens should search for contrary views, says the author.
PHOTO: AFP
Tim Harford
Follow topic:
What colour is the sky? The ocean?
You might think the answer is obvious: They are blue. Maybe not, though. Homer’s seas were “wine-dark”, and he never referred to the colour blue. The Greek poet was not unusual in this; most ancient texts do not use the word. Exactly why this might be is a matter of some debate, but one explanation is that in ancient societies, blue was an unusual colour.
