Our faith is faith in some one else's faith, and in the…
““Our faith is faith in some one else's faith, and in the greatest matters this is most the case. Our belief in truth itself, for instance, that there is a truth, and that our minds and it are made for each other,--what is it but a passionate affirmation of desire, in which our social system backs us up? We want to have a truth; we want to believe that our experiments and studies and discussions must put us in a continually better and better position towards it; and on this line we agree to fight out our thinking lives.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
It argues that belief in truth is driven by desire and social support, shaping our pursuit of knowledge.
In simple terms: Belief in truth is fueled by desire and community.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how desire and society shape your search for truth.
Themes
philosophy
belief
truth
social influence
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- academic research
- personal reflection
- public discourse
- ethical decision making
Key Concepts
epistemology
desire
collective cognition
Questions to Reflect On
- How does social backing affect your convictions?
- Can desire mislead truth‑seeking?
A Different Perspective
Belief can be biased by social pressures and personal desires.