Skip to content

A widespread belief is more often likely to be foolish…

“A widespread belief is more often likely to be foolish than sensible.” quote by Bertrand Russell
Download Open image
“A widespread belief is more often likely to be foolish than sensible.”

Bertrand Russell

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Commonly accepted ideas are often foolish; widespread belief does not guarantee wisdom.

In simple terms: Popular ideas can be foolish.

Key Takeaway

Question popular assumptions.

Themes

critical thinking wisdom social influence

Mood

analytical cautious

Type

philosophical educational

When to use this quote

  • public policy debates
  • media consumption
  • education curricula

Key Concepts

epistemology mass psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do people cling to popular but flawed ideas?
  • How can we foster healthier skepticism?
A Different Perspective

Popular belief can be resistant to correction.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Bertrand Russell

Explore all 1,620 Bertrand Russell quotes

More Belief quotes

Browse all 10,268 Belief quotes