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...we can best understand the furies of war and politics…

“...we can best understand the furies of war and politics by remembering that almost the whole of each party believes absolutely in its picture of the opposition, that it takes as fact, not what is, but what it supposes to be the fact.” quote by Walter Lippmann
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““...we can best understand the furies of war and politics by remembering that almost the whole of each party believes absolutely in its picture of the opposition, that it takes as fact, not what is, but what it supposes to be the fact.””

Walter Lippmann

About This Quote

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

People cling to their own narratives about opponents, treating assumptions as facts, which fuels conflict.

In simple terms: We see enemies through our own biased lenses.

Key Takeaway

Question your assumptions about others.

Themes

politics conflict perception

Mood

critical reflective

Type

analytical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • political debate
  • media analysis
  • personal relationships
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

cognitive bias social identity groupthink

Questions to Reflect On

  • What facts do you accept without questioning?
  • How might you see the opposition’s view more objectively?
A Different Perspective

Assumptions can be challenged by evidence, but people resist changing deep‑seated beliefs.

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