Belief like any other moving body follows the path of least resistance.
Samuel ButlerRead
Opinions have vested interests just as men have.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Opinions are often influenced by personal interests and biases, similar to how individuals act based on their motives.
This quote by Samuel Butler highlights the idea that opinions are not purely objective, but rather shaped by the vested interests of the individuals who hold them. It suggests that just as a person's actions can be driven by self-interest, so too can the beliefs and opinions they express be influenced by their desires, fears, or agendas. This perspective encourages critical thinking and awareness of the underlying motivations behind the views that people share.
Themes
OpinionsInterestsBiasPerspectivesTruth
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate about climate change, it's essential to recognize that opinions may be influenced by economic interests.
More from Samuel Butler
All quotes βTo 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.
Samuel ButlerRead
Academic and aristocratic people live in such an uncommon atmosphere that common sense can rarely reach them.
Samuel ButlerRead
An apology for the devil: it must be remembered that we have heard one side of the case. God has written all the books.
Samuel ButlerRead
Young people have a marvelous faculty of either dying or adapting themselves to circumstances.
Samuel ButlerRead
People care more about being thought to have taste than about being thought either good, clever or amiable.
Samuel ButlerRead
Similar quotes
When you are annoyed at someone's mistake, immediately look at yourself and reflect how you also fail; for example, in thinking that good equals money, or pleasure, or a bit of fame. By being mindful of this you'll quickly forget your anger, especially if you realize that the person was under stress, and could do little else. And, if you can, find a way to alleviate that stress.
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As a chef, I always have in mind how to properly feed the public, but at times it's easy to forget that some people have trouble even getting any food, much less adequate nutrition.
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No opinion has ever been too errant to become a creed.
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Had there not been five bad qualities, all the people would have been righteous. Contentment with ignorance; love for worldly life; miserliness inspite of much wealth; ostentation in (good) deeds; and pride in their own intelligence.
Ali Ibn Abi TalibRead
Nor does God whisper through the trees. His voice is not to be mistaken. When men hear it they fall to their knees and their souls are riven and they cry out to Him and there is no fear but only wildness of heart that springs from such longing.
Cormac MccarthyRead
Atheism is having a heyday in the born-again United States.
Alain De BottonRead