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The notion that someone who does not hold your views holds…

“The notion that someone who does not hold your views holds the reciprocal of them, or simply hasn't got any, has, whatever its comforts for those afraid reality is going to go away unless we believe very hard in it, not conduced to much in the way of clarity in the anti-relativist discussion, but…” quote by Clifford Geertz
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““The notion that someone who does not hold your views holds the reciprocal of them, or simply hasn't got any, has, whatever its comforts for those afraid reality is going to go away unless we believe very hard in it, not conduced to much in the way of clarity in the anti-relativist discussion, but merely to far too many people spending far too much time describing at length what it is they do not maintain than seems in any way profitable.””

Clifford Geertz

About This Quote

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

The quote argues that people cling to their own views, fearing reality will disappear unless they hold tightly to them, leading to endless debate without clarity.

In simple terms: People cling to beliefs out of fear, causing endless unproductive debate.

Key Takeaway

Question your assumptions and seek clarity.

Themes

belief fear debate clarity relativism

Mood

reflective critical

Type

philosophical analytical

When to use this quote

  • political discussions
  • academic debates
  • personal reflections
  • media analysis

Key Concepts

cognitive bias epistemology social psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • What beliefs are you holding onto out of fear?
  • How can you foster clearer dialogue?
A Different Perspective

It may oversimplify complex philosophical disagreements.

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