All men are, at times, influenced by inexplicable…
“All men are, at times, influenced by inexplicable sentiments. Ideas haunt them in spite of all their efforts to discard them. Prepossessions are entertained, for which their reason is unable to discover any adequate cause. The strength of a belief, when it is destitute of any rational foundation, seems, of itself, to furnish a new ground for credulity. We first admit a powerful persuasion, and then, from reflecting on the insufficiency of the ground on which it is built, instead of being prompted to dismiss it, we become more forcibly attached to it.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Ideas can grip us irrationally, and when we notice their weak basis, we often cling tighter rather than let go.
In simple terms: Irrational ideas grip us stronger when we see they lack reason.
Key Takeaway
Question weak beliefs when they feel irrational.
Themes
psychology
belief
irrationality
Mood
reflective
critical
skeptical
Type
philosophical
psychological
cautionary
When to use this quote
- personal decision making
- political persuasion
- marketing
- relationships
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
confirmation bias
belief perseverance
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we cling to beliefs that lack evidence?
- How can we recognize and counter belief perseverance?
A Different Perspective
People may rationalize or double‑down on beliefs despite evidence against them.