And there has been no attempt to investigate it,' I said…
““And there has been no attempt to investigate it,' I said, 'to see what it really is?' 'Eh, Cornel,' said the coachman's wife, 'wha would investigate, as ye call it, a thing that nobody believes in? Ye would be the laughing-stock of a' the country-side, as my man says.' 'But you believe in it,' I said, turning upon her hastily. The woman was taken by surprise. She made a step backward out of my way. 'Lord, Cornel, how ye frichten a body! Me! there's awful strange things in this world. An unlearned person doesna ken what to think. But the minister and the gentry they just laugh in your face. Inquire into the thing that is not! Na, na, we just let it be.' ("The Open Door")””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
People dismiss ideas they don’t understand, fearing ridicule, which stifles curiosity and progress.
In simple terms: Fear of ridicule blocks curiosity.
Key Takeaway
Challenge dismissive attitudes and seek truth.
Themes
curiosity
conformity
skepticism
social pressure
knowledge seeking
Mood
anxious
reflective
determined
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- academic research
- personal belief exploration
- community dialogue
- challenging norms
Key Concepts
social dynamics
psychology
epistemology
Questions to Reflect On
- What ideas have you ignored due to fear of ridicule?
- How can you foster open inquiry in resistant environments?
A Different Perspective
Dismissal can be rooted in genuine uncertainty, not just mockery.