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Most people, in fact, will not take the trouble in finding out the truth, but are much more inclined to accept the first story they hear.
Thucydides
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Interpretation

What this quote means

People tend to believe the first explanation they hear rather than seeking the truth themselves.

Thucydides' quote emphasizes the tendency of individuals to passively accept information without questioning its validity. This reflects a broader commentary on human nature, suggesting that curiosity and critical thinking are often overshadowed by the comfort of easy answers, thus hindering the pursuit of deeper truths.

Themes

TruthDeceptionInformationOpinionsCritical Thinking

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about media bias, you might cite this quote to illustrate how people often accept news at face value.

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The peoples of the Mediterranean began to emerge from barbarism when they learned to cultivate the olive and the vine.
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Thucydides, an Athenian, wrote the history of the war between the Peloponnesians and the Athenians, he began at the moment that it broke out, believing that it would be a great war, and more memorable than any that had preceded it.
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Some legislators only wish to vengeance against a particular enemy. Others only look out for themselves. They devote very little time on the consideration of any public issue. They think that no harm will come from their neglect. They act as if it is always the business of somebody else to look after this or that. When this selfish notion is entertained by all, the commonwealth slowly begins to decay.
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Remember that this greatness was won by men with courage, with knowledge of their duty, and with a sense of honor in action.
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