Skip to content

A new idea is first condemned as ridiculous and then…

“A new idea is first condemned as ridiculous and then dismissed as trivial, until finally, it becomes what everybody knows.” quote by William James
Download Open image
“A new idea is first condemned as ridiculous and then dismissed as trivial, until finally, it becomes what everybody knows.”

William James

About This Quote

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

New ideas face ridicule and dismissal before eventual acceptance and ubiquity.

In simple terms: Ideas are often mocked before they become mainstream.

Key Takeaway

Persist despite early criticism.

Themes

innovation skepticism acceptance

Mood

critical optimistic

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • startup pitches
  • scientific theories
  • artistic trends
  • policy proposals

Key Concepts

social dynamics diffusion of innovations

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do societies resist novel ideas?
  • When does ridicule turn to acceptance?
A Different Perspective

Not all dismissed ideas succeed; timing matters.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by William James

Explore all 854 William James quotes

More Change quotes

Browse all 33,920 Change quotes