But some, besides allegiance to their original error…
“But some, besides allegiance to their original error, possess I know not what fanciful interest in remaining hostile not so much toward the things in question as toward their discoverer.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
People may cling to false ideas out of spite toward the discoverer rather than the idea itself.
In simple terms: Hostility can target the messenger, not just the message.
Key Takeaway
Beware of personal bias when evaluating ideas.
Themes
bias
hostility
intellectual honesty
science
ego
Mood
skeptical
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
analytical
advisory
When to use this quote
- academic debates
- peer review
- public policy discussions
- social media arguments
Key Concepts
confirmation bias
ad hominem
cognitive dissonance
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we sometimes reject ideas because of who proposes them?
- How can we separate critique of a person from critique of their work?
A Different Perspective
Personal animus can obscure objective assessment of ideas.