Few intellectual tyrannies can be more recalcitrant than…
“Few intellectual tyrannies can be more recalcitrant than the truths that everybody knows and nearly no one can defend with any decent data (for who needs proof of anything so obvious). And few intellectual activities can be more salutary than attempts to find out whether these rocks of ages might crumble at the slightest tap of an informational hammer.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Commonly accepted truths resist scrutiny, while questioning them can reveal deeper understanding.
In simple terms: Widely held beliefs are hard to challenge; questioning them is valuable.
Key Takeaway
Critically test accepted facts.
Themes
intellectual humility
skepticism
scientific inquiry
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- academic research
- public policy debates
- media reporting
- education curricula
- scientific publishing
Key Concepts
philosophy of science
epistemology
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- Which “obvious” truths deserve re‑examination?
- How can we balance healthy doubt with constructive progress?
A Different Perspective
Over‑skepticism may lead to denial of well‑established facts.