Perfect concordance among reformers is not to be expected…
“Perfect concordance among reformers is not to be expected; and men who are honestly struggling towards the light cannot hope to attain at one bound to the complete truth. There is always a danger lest the fascination of a new discovery should lead us too far. Men of science, being human, are apt, like lovers, to exaggerate the perfections and be a little blind to the faults of the object of their choice.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Human ambition often overestimates new ideas, overlooking flaws; humility is needed in pursuit of truth.
In simple terms: People overvalue new discoveries and miss their faults.
Key Takeaway
Balance enthusiasm with critical evaluation.
Themes
humility
science
truth
Mood
cautious
thoughtful
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- research
- academic debate
- policy making
- innovation reviews
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
overconfidence
confirmation bias
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you guard against overvaluing novel findings?
- What checks can prevent blind spots?
A Different Perspective
Excessive optimism can lead to misinterpretation of data.