Nullus in verba is Latin for “take nobody’s word for it” and is the motto of the the Royal Society of London. Founded in 1660, the Royal Society seeks to advance science under the concept that the only true facts are those that can be proven through experimentation.

Nullus in verba is akin to Missouri’s “Show Me” motto. It is basic skepticism, the mind set that nothing should be accepted as fact that is not able to be verified or cannot be corroborated or substantiated by reliable sources.

A healthy skepticism has served me well in business and in life, kept me out of some dubious deals.

Closing quotes:

“The skeptic does not mean him who doubts, but him who investigates or researches, as opposed to him who asserts and thinks that he has found.” — Miguel de Unamuno, Spanish author, philosopher; 1864-1936

“Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and it is shameful to surrender it too soon or to the first comer.” — George Santayana, Spanish born American philosopher, poet; 1863-1952

“Skepticism: the mark and even the pose of the educated mind.” — John Dewey