When a new truth enters the world, the first stage of…
“When a new truth enters the world, the first stage of reaction to it is ridicule, the second stage is violent opposition, and in the third stage, that truth comes to be regarded as self-evident.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
New ideas often face mockery, then hostility, before becoming accepted as obvious truths.
In simple terms: Truths face ridicule, then opposition, then acceptance.
Expect resistance before ideas become common sense.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- scientific discovery
- political reform
- cultural trends
- technological adoption
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you respond when your ideas are mocked?
- What mechanisms turn opposition into acceptance?
Even after acceptance, complacency can hinder further questioning.