But dogmatism—or the inclination "to identify the goal of…
![“But dogmatism—or the inclination "to identify the goal of our thinking with the point at which we have become tired of thinking"—is so natural to man that it is not likely to be a preserve of the past. [Citing Lessing's January 9, 1771 letter to Mendelssohn.]” quote by Leo Strauss](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/53c/leo-strauss-12446_dogmatism_but-dogmatism-or-the-inclination-to-iden_1432351.jpg)
““But dogmatism—or the inclination "to identify the goal of our thinking with the point at which we have become tired of thinking"—is so natural to man that it is not likely to be a preserve of the past. [Citing Lessing's January 9, 1771 letter to Mendelssohn.]””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Dogmatism is the tendency to stop thinking once we feel mentally exhausted, treating that point as the final truth.
In simple terms: We stop thinking when tired, mistaking fatigue for certainty.
Key Takeaway
Recognize fatigue, keep questioning.
Themes
critical thinking
intellectual humility
dogmatism
Mood
reflective
skeptical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- academic research
- personal decision‑making
- political debate
- creative problem solving
Key Concepts
epistemology
mental fatigue
self‑deception
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you accepted an idea because you were tired of thinking?
- How can you distinguish genuine fatigue from deliberate closure?
A Different Perspective
Dogmatism can be reinforced by social pressure and echo chambers, making it hard to sustain doubt.