They are not insincere when they say that they believe…
““They are not insincere when they say that they believe these things. They do believe them, as people believe what they have always heard lauded and never discussed. But in the sense of that living belief which regulates conduct, they believe these doctrines just up to the point to which it is usual to act upon them.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
People truly believe doctrines they have heard repeatedly, even without critical discussion, shaping their behavior.
In simple terms: Repeated beliefs influence actions.
Key Takeaway
Question unexamined beliefs.
Themes
philosophy
belief formation
social influence
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- education
- public policy
- personal decision making
Key Concepts
critical thinking
social conditioning
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we accept ideas without questioning?
- How can we foster critical examination of common beliefs?
A Different Perspective
Belief without scrutiny may lead to dogma.