QuoteProject
Men think they think upon the great political questions, and they do; but they think with their party, not independently; they read its literature, but not that of the other side
Mark Twain
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

People often form opinions based on their political affiliations rather than independent thought.

Mark Twain highlights how individuals may believe they are engaging in deep political reasoning, yet their thoughts are largely influenced by their political party. This illustrates the challenges of unbiased thinking in society where people tend to consume information that aligns with their existing beliefs, neglecting opposing viewpoints that could lead to a more well-rounded understanding.

Themes

PoliticsIndependenceThoughtBiasPerspective

In practice

Example use cases

During a debate on social media, this quote can be used to remind others about the importance of seeking different perspectives.

More from Mark Twain

Weather is a literary specialty, and no untrained hand can turn out a good article on it
Mark TwainRead
The easy part of being an artist is figuring out the message that everyone else is ready to hear. The hard part is waiting for the proper lull to make the announcement.
Mark TwainRead
You can't reason with your heart; it has its own laws, and thumps about things which the intellect scorns.
Mark TwainRead
To be good is noble; but to show others how to be good is nobler and no trouble.
Mark TwainRead
Name the greatest of all inventors. Accident.
Mark TwainRead
In Paris they just simply opened their eyes and stared when we spoke to them in French! We never did succeed in making those idiots understand their own language.
Mark TwainRead

Similar quotes

It has been more profitable for us to bind together in the wrong direction than to be alone in the right one.
Nassim Nicholas TalebRead
Nothing is so fatal to religion as indifference.
Edmund BurkeRead
Every one sees what you appear to be, few really know what you are, and those few dare not oppose themselves to the opinion of the many, who have the majesty of the state to defend them.
Niccolo MachiavelliRead
Those who invest in South Africa should not think they are doing us a favor; they are here for what they get out of our cheap and abundant labor, and they should know that they are buttressing one of the most vicious systems.
Desmond TutuRead
The creature that wins against its environment destroys itself.
Gregory BatesonRead
I am a spy in the house of me. I report back from the front lines of the battle that is me. I am somewhat nonplused by the event that is my life.
Carrie FisherRead

A little wisdom, now and then

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