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One eye-witness is of more weight than ten hearsays. Those…

“One eye-witness is of more weight than ten hearsays. Those who hear, speak of shat they have heard; whose who see, know beyond mistake. [Lat., Pluris est oculatus testis unus, quam auriti decem. Qui audiunt, audita dicunt; qui vident, plane sciunt.]” quote by Plautus
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“One eye-witness is of more weight than ten hearsays. Those who hear, speak of shat they have heard; whose who see, know beyond mistake. [Lat., Pluris est oculatus testis unus, quam auriti decem. Qui audiunt, audita dicunt; qui vident, plane sciunt.]”

Plautus

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Direct experience is more reliable than second‑hand reports.

In simple terms: Seeing is believing, hearing is less trustworthy.

Key Takeaway

Value firsthand observation over gossip.

Themes

trust experience knowledge

Mood

cautious analytical

Type

philosophical practical

When to use this quote

  • legal testimony
  • journalism
  • research
  • personal decisions

Key Concepts

epistemology critical thinking

Questions to Reflect On

  • When should you trust a witness?
  • How do you verify second‑hand information?
A Different Perspective

Firsthand accounts can be biased or limited.

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