To no circumstance is the wide diffusion of error in the…
“To no circumstance is the wide diffusion of error in the world more owing than to our habit of adopting conclusions from insufficiently established data. An indispensable preliminary, then, in every investigation, is to get at facts. Until these are arrived at, every opinion, theory, or system, however ingeniously framed, must necessarily rest upon an uncertain basis.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Investigations must start with solid facts; conclusions drawn from weak data are unreliable.
In simple terms: Base ideas on facts, not shaky data.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize factual evidence before forming theories.
Themes
critical thinking
methodology
epistemology
skepticism
Mood
analytical
cautious
Type
academic
instructional
When to use this quote
- academic research
- journalism
- policy making
Key Concepts
logic
science
research methods
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you verify facts in fast‑moving contexts?
- When is it acceptable to act on incomplete data?
A Different Perspective
Fact‑finding can be time‑consuming and may delay decisions.