Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it,
nor in traditions because they are old and have been handed down from generation to generation and in many locations,

nor in rumor because it has been spoken by many,

nor in writings by sages because sages wrote them,

nor in ones own fancies, thinking that it is such an extraordinary thought, it must have been inspired by a god or higher power,

nor in inferences drawn from some haphazard assumption made by us,

nor in what seems to be of necessity by analogy,

nor in anything merely because it is based on the authority of our teachers, masters, and elders.

However, after thorough investigation, observation, analysis and reflection, when you find that anything agrees with reason and your experience, and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, and of the world at large; accept only that as true, and shape your life in accordance with it; and live up to it. ~~ Gautama Siddhartha Sakyamuni