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Faced with having to change our views or prove that there is no need to do so, most of us immediately get busy on the proof.
John Kenneth Galbraith
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Interpretation

What this quote means

People often resist changing their opinions and instead seek arguments to support their existing views.

This quote by John Kenneth Galbraith highlights a common human tendency to cling to personal beliefs, especially when confronted with the possibility of changing them. Rather than reflecting on the validity of their views, individuals often choose to fortify them with evidence, demonstrating a reluctance to embrace change or consider alternative perspectives.

Themes

ChangeBeliefsPerspectivesResistanceProof

In practice

Example use cases

In a debate about climate change, one might say, 'As John Kenneth Galbraith noted, many people prefer to prove their own views rather than reconsider them.'

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