It is not true that a man can believe or disbelieve what…
“It is not true that a man can believe or disbelieve what he will. But it is certain that an active desire to find any proposition true will unconsciously tend to that result by dismissing importunate suggestions which run counter to the belief, and welcoming those which favor it. The psychological law, that we only see what interests us, and only assimilate what is adapted to our condition, causes the mind to select its evidence.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
People tend to accept information that aligns with their desires and ignore opposing evidence.
In simple terms: Bias confirms what we want.
Key Takeaway
Seek contrary evidence.
Themes
cognitive bias
confirmation
perception
Mood
critical
inquisitive
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- research
- decision making
- media consumption
Key Concepts
psychology
logic
belief formation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you test your own assumptions?
- What steps can reduce confirmation bias?
A Different Perspective
Overconfidence can blind us to truth.