Whenever a new finding is reported to the world people say…
“Whenever a new finding is reported to the world people say - It is probably not true. Later on, when the reliability of a new finding has been fully confirmed, people say - OK, it may be true but it has no real significance. At last, when even the significance of the finding is obvious to everybody, people say - Well, it might have some significance, but the idea is not new.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Montaigne critiques the pattern of skepticism and dismissal that follows new discoveries, noting how initial doubt shifts to underestimation of significance.
In simple terms: People often doubt then downplay new ideas.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions about novelty and importance.
Themes
skepticism
science
knowledge
humility
progress
Mood
cautious
inquisitive
Type
critical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic research
- public policy
- media reporting
- educational curricula
- science communication
Key Concepts
epistemology
social psychology
innovation adoption
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we resist accepting new truths?
- How can we better evaluate significance?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on novelty can ignore valuable contributions.