Skip to content

Earthly minds, like mud walls, resist the strongest…

“Earthly minds, like mud walls, resist the strongest batteries; and though, perhaps, sometimes the force of a clear argument may make some impression, yet they nevertheless stand firm, keep out the enemy, truth, that would captivate or disturbe them.” quote by John Locke
Download Open image
“Earthly minds, like mud walls, resist the strongest batteries; and though, perhaps, sometimes the force of a clear argument may make some impression, yet they nevertheless stand firm, keep out the enemy, truth, that would captivate or disturbe them.”

John Locke

About This Quote

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

Human minds resist strong arguments like mud walls resist batteries; truth struggles to penetrate entrenched beliefs.

In simple terms: Minds often block strong arguments, making truth hard to reach.

Key Takeaway

Challenge entrenched beliefs.

Themes

philosophy cognition truth

Mood

contemplative inquisitive

Type

philosophical educational

When to use this quote

  • education
  • debate
  • public discourse

Key Concepts

bias critical thinking

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do we cling to familiar ideas?
  • How can we open minds to truth?
A Different Perspective

Even strong evidence may not change opinions.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by John Locke

Explore all 355 John Locke quotes

More Argument quotes

Browse all 3,479 Argument quotes