I have heard it remarked that men are not to be reasoned…
“I have heard it remarked that men are not to be reasoned out of an opinion they have not reasoned themselves into.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
People rarely abandon opinions they never formed themselves, making rational persuasion ineffective.
In simple terms: You can't reason someone out of a belief they never reasoned into.
Key Takeaway
Focus on building reasoning from the start.
Themes
opinions
reasoning
persuasion
Mood
skeptical
reflective
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- political debate
- personal relationships
- education
- media discourse
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
self-justification
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you encourage self‑reflection before opinions solidify?
- What role does self‑awareness play in changing beliefs?
A Different Perspective
If the person never formed the opinion, logical arguments may be ignored.