But, as Bacon has well pointed out, truth is more likely…
“But, as Bacon has well pointed out, truth is more likely to come out of error, if this is clear and definite, than out of confusion, and my experience teaches me that it is better to hold a well-understood and intelligible opinion, even if it should turn out to be wrong, than to be content with a muddle-headed mixture of conflicting views, sometimes miscalled impartiality, and often no better than no opinion at all.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Holding well‑understood opinions, even if wrong, is preferable to embracing confusion or false impartiality.
In simple terms: Clear, even mistaken, opinions beat vague neutrality.
Key Takeaway
Seek clarity, avoid indecision.
Themes
philosophy
epistemology
critical thinking
science
Mood
thoughtful
cautious
Type
philosophical
essay
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- scientific research
- personal decision‑making
Key Concepts
error analysis
opinion formation
intellectual humility
Questions to Reflect On
- When is uncertainty more valuable than a firm opinion?
- How can one balance confidence with openness to error?
A Different Perspective
If certainty leads to dogmatism, the advice may backfire.