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Belief like any other moving body follows the path of least resistance.
Samuel Butler
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Belief, much like physical motion, tends to take the easiest route.

This quote suggests that our beliefs are shaped by the path of least resistance, meaning that we often adopt ideas and viewpoints that are the easiest to accept or align with, rather than critically examining them. It highlights the tendency of human nature to avoid challenges and complexities, opting instead for comfort and simplicity in our thinking.

Themes

BeliefResistanceThoughtPhilosophyMindset

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational speech to encourage critical thinking and openness to new ideas.

More from Samuel Butler

To know God better is only to realize how impossible it is that we should ever know him at all. I know not which is more childish to deny him, or define him.
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Academic and aristocratic people live in such an uncommon atmosphere that common sense can rarely reach them.
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An apology for the devil: it must be remembered that we have heard one side of the case. God has written all the books.
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Young people have a marvelous faculty of either dying or adapting themselves to circumstances.
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People care more about being thought to have taste than about being thought either good, clever or amiable.
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A friend who cannot at a pinch remember a thing or two that never happened is as bad as one who does not know how to forget.
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