In Douglas Adams' "Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency," the author acknowledges the importance of skepticism while also highlighting its limitations. He suggests that even the most doubtful individuals must be ready to embrace certain truths, especially when faced with a lack of alternatives. This idea emphasizes that sometimes we must be open to unpalatable realities, no matter how uncomfortable they may be.

Adams uses a metaphor comparing a duck's appearance and sound to emphasize that observable evidence should lead us to consider certain conclusions. If a situation strongly resembles a particular outcome, it may be prudent to accept it as such, regardless of our initial hesitation. This quote conveys the balance between skepticism and acceptance of reality in the pursuit of understanding.