Never true,' Old Ben would say. 'Useful- now, there's…
““Never true,' Old Ben would say. 'Useful- now, there's something. Your mind might make a connection that is useful. But true is another matter. True implies that you have found a connection that exists independent of your apprehension of it, that would exist whether you noticed it or not. And I must say that I have never seen such a connection in my life. There are times when I suspect there are no such connections, that all links, bonds, ties, and similarities are creations of thought and have no substance.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
True connections are independent of perception; many perceived links may be mental constructs.
In simple terms: Truth exists beyond our thoughts.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions about reality.
Themes
philosophy
perception
truth
reality
Mood
inquisitive
skeptical
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- scientific research
- creative problem solving
- mindfulness practice
Key Concepts
cognitive science
metaphysics
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence supports a connection’s reality?
- How do mental models shape your experience?
A Different Perspective
Absolute truth may be unknowable.