If we are uncritical we shall always find what we want: we…
“If we are uncritical we shall always find what we want: we shall look for, and find, confirmations, and we shall look away from, and not see, whatever might be dangerous to our pet theories. In this way it is only too easy to obtain what appears to be overwhelming evidence in favor of a theory which, if approached critically, would have been refuted.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
People tend to seek evidence that confirms their beliefs and ignore contradictory data, leading to biased conclusions.
In simple terms: Confirmation bias skews our view of evidence.
Key Takeaway
Seek disconfirming evidence to test ideas.
Themes
critical thinking
bias
science
Mood
skeptical
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- research
- decision making
- policy analysis
Key Concepts
epistemology
confirmation bias
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence would challenge your core beliefs?
- How can you guard against selective perception?