Incredulity is not wisdom, but the worst kind of folly. It…
“Incredulity is not wisdom, but the worst kind of folly. It is folly, because it causes ignorance and mistake, with all the consequents of these; and it is very bad, as being accompanied with disingenuity, obstinacy, rudeness, uncharitableness, and the like bad dispositions; from which credulity itself, the other extreme sort of folly, is exempt.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Blind belief leads to ignorance and negative traits; it is a harmful form of folly distinct from mere credulity.
In simple terms: Blind faith causes ignorance and bad behavior.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions, seek truth.
Themes
wisdom
critical thinking
folly
Mood
cautionary
philosophical
Type
critical
reflective
When to use this quote
- debates
- education
- self‑reflection
Key Concepts
epistemology
bias
intellectual humility
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we distinguish healthy skepticism from cynicism?
- What practices foster intellectual humility?
A Different Perspective
May be overly harsh on those with differing beliefs.