As far as we know

[David64]

I believe that every "proven" scientific fact should begin or end with those 5 words. Yes, I know, some facts are irrefutable. I can't fly just by flapping my arms...but what about the rest ?

"We can't travel beyond the speed of light" . Well... as far as we know.

Why do I say this ?

Let's look at what we "knew" over the years.

"Men can't fly".  Proved that wrong. 

Medicine and Science crack me up on what they knew.

Your wife gets "the vapors" ? Well, send her to the Doc and he'll blow smoke in her vagina or "manually stimulate" her because God forbid that women get horny too and you ain't takin' care of business.

Actual science ?

Not too long ago, we knew thalidomide was safe for pregnant women, asbestos was great insulation and cigarettes didn't cause cancer. And science even added a bonus !
Remember Kent cigarettes ? 
They put asbestos in the filters ! Double your carcinogens, double your fun !

Here's an oldy but a goody - People actually drank radioactive water because they thought it was good for them.
"Your jaw fell off? Well try a different brand ! New and improved! Now with more radiation !! "

Folks were putting their feet in x-ray machines in shoe stores, using the "scientific method", to get the right fit for their shoes.
We'll just gloss over the fact they had unshielded x ray machines in public.
 Shielding ? We don't need no stinkin' shielding.
When I got radiation treatment for cancer and those Techs hid behind that big thick wall I thought "Wusses" {sarc}

Want more ?
https://www.famousscientists.org/10-most...-debunked/

Looking back on all the stupid shit we "knew" you'll forgive me when I mentally add "As far as we know" when some famous scientist says we can't do something.

[AlroyFarms]

A lot of people live in worlds of black and white. A lot. 

It's just too difficult for some to wade in the gray because it requires continuous reflection and reevaluation. That's basically like homework and most people dont like homework. Some people don't want to learn; they just want their feelings reaffirmed. 

There is an element of ego as well. The black and white areas of their life provide definition, structure, reassurance, and comfort.

Not to mention I think a lot of people would naturally feel insecure to constantly be admitting 'I really don't know.'

To live in a world of change and fluctuation and challenges is not what a lot of people want to sign up for.

As for me, I'll go with the classic idiom of 'the more I find out, the less that I know.'

...or was that a Billy Joel lyric?