It matters not to an empiricist from what quarter an…
““It matters not to an empiricist from what quarter an hypothesis may come to him: he may have acquired it by fair means or by foul; passion may have whispered or accident suggested it; but if the total drift of thinking continues to confirm it, that is what he means by its being true.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Truth is judged by its practical consequences; if an idea consistently works, we treat it as true.
In simple terms: Ideas that work are considered true.
Key Takeaway
Test ideas by results.
Themes
philosophy
empiricism
truth
pragmatism
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- research
- policy making
- daily decision making
- problem solving
- education
Key Concepts
conceptual analysis
scientific method
validation
Questions to Reflect On
- What practical outcomes do you expect from this belief?
- When has a “true” idea failed you?
A Different Perspective
True usefulness may be temporary; future evidence can overturn it.