There is no error so monstrous that it fails to find…
“There is no error so monstrous that it fails to find defenders among the ablest men. Imagine a congress of eminent celebrities, such as More, Bacon, Grotius, Pascal, Cromwell, Bossuet, Montesquieu, Jefferson, Napoleon, Pitt, etc. The result would be an Encyclopedia of Error.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Powerful individuals can rationalize even the gravest mistakes, creating a collective acceptance of error.
In simple terms: Even great minds can defend big mistakes.
Key Takeaway
Question authority and seek evidence.
Themes
power
error
rationalization
Mood
skeptical
concerned
Type
critical
historical
When to use this quote
- political debate
- academic discourse
- media analysis
Key Concepts
political philosophy
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you verify claims from experts?
- What safeguards prevent collective error?
A Different Perspective
Even the wise can be swayed by bias.