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In short, if youth is not quite right in its opinions…

“In short, if youth is not quite right in its opinions, there is a strong probability that age is not much more so. Undying hope is co-ruler of the human bosom with infallible credulity. A man finds he has been wrong at every preceding stage of his career, only to deduce the astonishing conclusion…” quote by Robert Louis Stevenson
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““In short, if youth is not quite right in its opinions, there is a strong probability that age is not much more so. Undying hope is co-ruler of the human bosom with infallible credulity. A man finds he has been wrong at every preceding stage of his career, only to deduce the astonishing conclusion that he is at last entirely right.””

Robert Louis Stevenson

About This Quote

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

Youth often holds mistaken views, yet age rarely offers clearer insight; hope and credulity dominate human belief, leading to the paradox that we feel finally correct after many errors.

In simple terms: Youth and age both flawed; hope and gullibility mislead.

Key Takeaway

Question assumptions, stay humble.

Themes

humility hope self‑awareness

Mood

reflective skeptical

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • career decisions
  • personal growth
  • political discourse
  • relationship conflicts

Key Concepts

cognitive bias confidence human nature

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you recognize when you’re still wrong?
  • What role does hope play in your beliefs?
A Different Perspective

Assuming final correctness can hinder learning.

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