It is right that we should stand by and act on our…
“It is right that we should stand by and act on our principles; but not right to hold them in obstinate blindness, or retain them when proved to be erroneous.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Principles should guide action, but must be open to revision when evidence contradicts them.
In simple terms: Hold principles, but change them if wrong.
Key Takeaway
Adapt beliefs when proven false.
Themes
ethics
open‑mindedness
intellectual humility
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- policy making
- personal decisions
- academic research
Key Concepts
philosophy
critical thinking
science
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance conviction with flexibility?
- When is it okay to abandon a long‑held belief?
A Different Perspective
Changing deeply held beliefs can be socially painful.