For if I should not believe all that is written by…
“For if I should not believe all that is written by Historians, of the glorious acts of Alexander, or Caesar; I do not think the Ghost of Alexander, or Caesar, had any just cause to be offended; or any body else, but the Historian. If Livy say the Gods made once a Cow speak, and we believe it not; we distrust not God therein, but Livy. So that it is evident, that whatsoever we believe, upon no other reason, then what is drawn from authority of men only, and their writings; whether they be sent from God or not, is Faith in men only.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Blind faith in historical accounts without critical scrutiny leads to misplaced trust in human authority.
In simple terms: Believe history only if you question it.
Key Takeaway
Question sources before accepting.
Themes
authority
history
skepticism
faith
truth
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- academic research
- media consumption
- political discourse
Key Concepts
epistemology
critical thinking
historical method
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you verify historical claims?
- What role does authority play in your beliefs?
A Different Perspective
Historical narratives can be biased or incomplete.