You still think I've gone cracked in the head," Ben said…
“You still think I've gone cracked in the head," Ben said, amused. "Listen, if tomorrow we pulled into Biren and someone told you there were shamble-men in the woods, would you believe them?" My father shook his head. "What if two people told you?" Another shake. Ben leaned forward on his stump. "What if a dozen people told you, with perfect earnestness, that shamble-men were out in the fields, eating-" "Of course I wouldn't believe them," my father said, irritated. "It's ridiculous." "Of course it is," Ben agreed, raising a finger. "But the real question is this: Would you go into the woods?”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage explores how belief is shaped by the number and confidence of witnesses, questioning whether repeated testimony can overcome personal doubt.
In simple terms: Belief depends on how many people say something is true.
Key Takeaway
Consider how consensus influences your decisions.
Themes
belief
truth
peer pressure
skepticism
perception
Mood
curious
skeptical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
conversational
When to use this quote
- making decisions
- evaluating rumors
- groupthink
- critical thinking
Key Concepts
social proof
cognitive bias
confidence
Questions to Reflect On
- How many sources would you need to trust a claim?
- What makes you doubt a widely accepted story?
A Different Perspective
Even many convinced witnesses may not compel action if the risk feels too high.