True opinions are a fine thing and do all sorts of good so…
““True opinions are a fine thing and do all sorts of good so long as they stay in their place; but they will not stay long. They run away from a man's mind, so they are not worth much until you tether them by working out the reason. Once they are tied down, they become knowledge, and are stable.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Ideas become reliable knowledge only after they are examined, justified, and anchored in reason.
In simple terms: Test ideas to make them knowledge.
Key Takeaway
Critically evaluate beliefs before accepting them.
Themes
philosophy
epistemology
critical thinking
knowledge
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- academic study
- personal decision‑making
- public debate
- scientific research
Key Concepts
rationalism
Socratic method
Questions to Reflect On
- What beliefs have you examined and revised?
- How do you distinguish opinion from knowledge?
A Different Perspective
Some truths remain elusive despite analysis.