The man scarce lives who is not more credulous than he…
“The man scarce lives who is not more credulous than he ought to be... The natural disposition is always to believe. It is acquired wisdom and experience only that teach incredulity, and they very seldom teach it enough.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Humans naturally trust; skepticism develops only through experience and learning
In simple terms: Trust is innate, doubt is learned
Key Takeaway
Cultivate healthy skepticism
Themes
trust
skepticism
experience
Mood
reflective
cautious
Type
philosophical
psychological
When to use this quote
- business negotiations
- personal relationships
- media consumption
Key Concepts
cognitive development
social trust
Questions to Reflect On
- When should you trust instinctively?
- How much doubt is healthy?
A Different Perspective
Over‑skepticism can hinder openness