So many new ideas are at first strange and horrible though…
“So many new ideas are at first strange and horrible though ultimately valuable that a very heavy responsibility rests upon those who would prevent their dissemination.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Innovative ideas often seem odd or frightening initially, yet they hold great value; suppressing them imposes a heavy moral burden.
In simple terms: Strange ideas can be valuable; stopping them is a responsibility.
Protect new ideas.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- academic research
- technology development
- policy making
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance caution with openness to novelty?
- What responsibilities do we have toward unconventional thinkers?
Societal fear can hinder progress.