I have been too long acquainted with human nature to have…
“I have been too long acquainted with human nature to have great regard for human testimony; and a very great degree of probability, supported by various concurrent circumstances, conspiring in one point, will have much greater weight with me, than human testimony upon oath, or even upon honour; both of which I have frequently seen considerably warped by private views.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Human testimony is often biased, so evidence from circumstances and probability is more reliable.
In simple terms: Circumstances outweigh biased testimony.
Key Takeaway
Trust evidence, not just promises.
Themes
trust
bias
evidence
Mood
skeptical
analytical
Type
philosophical
advisory
When to use this quote
- legal judgments
- personal decisions
- historical analysis
- media consumption
Key Concepts
probability
human nature
reliability
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you verify claims beyond trust?
- When have you relied on circumstantial evidence?
A Different Perspective
Human testimony can still be valuable when corroborated.