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It is with philosophy as with religion : men marvel at the…

“It is with philosophy as with religion : men marvel at the absurdity of other people's tenets, while exactly parallel absurdities remain in their own.” quote by John Stuart Mill
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““It is with philosophy as with religion : men marvel at the absurdity of other people's tenets, while exactly parallel absurdities remain in their own.””

John Stuart Mill

About This Quote

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

People readily criticize others’ beliefs while overlooking the absurdities within their own doctrines, revealing a universal bias.

In simple terms: We mock others but ignore our own flaws.

Key Takeaway

Self‑critique is rare.

Themes

philosophy religion bias

Mood

critical thoughtful

Type

philosophical observational

When to use this quote

  • debates on religious tolerance
  • political discourse about policy hypocrisy
  • academic discussions on epistemic humility

Key Concepts

cognitive dissonance ethical relativism

Practical Applications

  • practice reflective questioning
  • encourage dialogue that includes self‑scrutiny

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we cultivate humility when evaluating beliefs?
  • What mechanisms reduce double standards in critique?
A Different Perspective

Sometimes pointing out others’ absurdities can be a catalyst for self‑improvement if done constructively.

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