QuoteProject
The antiquity and general acceptance of an opinion is not assurance of its truth.
Pierre Bayle
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Just because an idea is old and widely believed does not mean it is true.

This quote emphasizes the importance of skepticism and critical thinking. It suggests that the age and popularity of an opinion do not validate its truthfulness, encouraging individuals to seek evidence and reasoning rather than accept ideas solely based on tradition or majority belief.

Themes

TruthOpinionBeliefSkepticismCritical Thinking

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a debate about popular myths in society.

More from Pierre Bayle

In matters of religion, it is very easy to deceive a man and very hard to undeceive him.
Pierre BayleRead

Similar quotes

Why is geometry often described as cold and dry? One reason lies in its inability to describe the shape of a cloud, a mountain, a coastline or a tree.
Benoit MandelbrotRead
The worst evil is - and that's the product of censorship - is the self-censorship, because that twists spines, that destroys my character because I have to think something else and say something else, I have to always control myself.
Milos FormanRead
Wealth is a tool of freedom, but the pursuit of wealth is the way to slavery.
Frank HerbertRead
Pure libertarianism believes that people will be generous and help each other. Well, they won't. I wish it were so, and I live that way. I help panhandlers, but other people are, 'Oh look at that - why doesn't he get a job?' While I believe in all that freedom, I also believe that no one should suffer needlessly.
Neil PeartRead
Become the director, producer, choreographer of your own story
Deepak ChopraRead
The heart is just the heart; thoughts and feelings are just thoughts and feelings. Let things be just as they are.
Ajahn ChahRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.

Quote by Pierre Bayle | QuoteProject