A great many things have been pronounced untrue and…
“A great many things have been pronounced untrue and absurd, and even impossible, by the highest authorities in the age in which they lived, which have afterwards, and, indeed, within a very short period, been found to be both possible and true.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Authorities often dismiss ideas that later prove true, showing progress overturns old beliefs.
In simple terms: Authorities can be wrong.
Key Takeaway
Question accepted truths.
Themes
history
science
skepticism
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
philosophical
historical
When to use this quote
- scientific research
- social reform
- technological advancement
Key Concepts
Paradigm shift
innovation
Questions to Reflect On
- Which dismissed ideas now seem obvious?
- How do you handle authority opposition?
A Different Perspective
New ideas face resistance before acceptance.