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It is never too late to give up our prejudices. No way of…

“It is never too late to give up our prejudices. No way of thinking or doing, however ancient, can be trusted without proof. What everybody echoes or in silence passes by as true to-day may turn out to be falsehood to-morrow, mere smoke of opinion, which some had trusted for a cloud that would…” quote by Henry David Thoreau
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““It is never too late to give up our prejudices. No way of thinking or doing, however ancient, can be trusted without proof. What everybody echoes or in silence passes by as true to-day may turn out to be falsehood to-morrow, mere smoke of opinion, which some had trusted for a cloud that would sprinkle fertilizing rain on their fields. What old people say you cannot do, you try and find that you can. Old deeds for old people, and new deeds for new.””

Henry David Thoreau

About This Quote

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

Encourages questioning traditions and embracing evidence over blind belief.

In simple terms: Question old ideas, seek proof.

Key Takeaway

Think critically, act on new insights.

Themes

critical thinking tradition innovation age

Mood

thoughtful inquisitive

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • academic research
  • personal decision making
  • social reform
  • intergenerational dialogue

Key Concepts

philosophy skepticism personal growth

Questions to Reflect On

  • What long‑held belief might you re‑examine?
  • How do you test assumptions before acting?
A Different Perspective

Changing habits is difficult.

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