Asking for evidence or proof vs research

This thread would probably be a good spot to post ideas and reasonable explanations as to why it is futile to ask for evidence or proof in a text-based Board; but more importantly should asking for proof or evidence take the place of actual first-hand research? Moreover, should inability to observe or measure a potentially viable event be the closing of the book on the IDEA that it supports or should it be dismissed as non-existent. Basically, should we use our imagination to discover the unknown and become self-aware, or rely solely on observation and measurements to continue our exploration into our already rich and fulfilling lives?

>>2
Why will lives be sacrificed?  I see no need for human sacrifice in the near future, and I don't think anybody is going to die trying to stop religious nonsense.  I'm assuming of course, that you're not going to intentionally go to the Bible belt and provoke a lynch mob.

>>4
You could use more patience.  There is no need for excess exaggeration; he's obviously not treating you like the inquisition.

We're all lazy; the whole point of a discussion board is to share ideas, not to do everything ourselves.

>>5
CRUISE CONTROL, etc