The majority of men is composed of two classes, for…
““The majority of men is composed of two classes, for neither of which would this be at all a befitting resolution: in the first place, of those who with more than a due confidence in their own powers, are precipitate in their judgments and want the patience requisite for orderly and circumspect thinking; whence it happens, that if men of this class once take the liberty to doubt of their accustomed opinions, and quit the beaten highway, they will never be able to thread the byway that would lead them by a shorter course, and will lose themselves and continue to wander for life; in the second place, of those who, possessed of sufficient sense or modesty to determine that there are others who excel them in the power of discriminating between truth and error, and by whom they may be instructed, ought rather to content themselves with the opinions of such than trust for more correct to their own reason.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Two flawed mindsets hinder truth: overconfidence without patience, and excessive humility that avoids independent thought.
In simple terms: Both arrogance and excessive modesty block clear reasoning.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate balanced confidence and critical thinking.
Themes
humility
confidence
critical thinking
philosophy
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- academic research
- decision making
- personal growth
- leadership development
Key Concepts
epistemology
self‑awareness
intellectual humility
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you recognize when confidence becomes arrogance?
- When is humility a strength or a hindrance?
A Different Perspective
Overconfidence can still lead to bold innovation; humility may limit self‑trust.