But then with me the horrid doubt always arises whether…
“But then with me the horrid doubt always arises whether the convictions of man's mind, which has been developed from the mind of the lower animals, are of any value or at all trustworthy. Would any one trust in the convictions of a monkey's mind, if there are any convictions in such a mind?”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Human reasoning is questioned because it evolved from animal instincts, raising doubts about its reliability.
In simple terms: Our minds may be unreliable because they stem from animal instincts.
Key Takeaway
Question the basis of your convictions.
Themes
philosophy
science
skepticism
Mood
reflective
inquisitive
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- debates on ethics
- policy making
- personal decision making
- educational curricula
Key Concepts
Evolution
cognition
epistemology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you assess the trustworthiness of your beliefs?
- Can animal instincts be reconciled with rational thought?
A Different Perspective
Human reasoning can be refined through critical thinking and scientific method.