The most violent revolutions in an individual's beliefs…
““The most violent revolutions in an individual's beliefs leave most of his old order standing. Time and space, cause and effect, nature and history, and one's own biography remain untouched. New truth is always a go-between, a smoother-over of transitions. It marries old opinion to new fact so as ever to show a minimum of jolt, a maximum of continuity. We hold a theory true just in proportion to its success in solving this 'problem of maxima and minima.' But success in solving this problem is eminently a matter of approximation. We say this theory solves it on the whole more satisfactorily than that theory; but that means more satisfactorily to ourselves, and individuals will emphasize their points of satisfaction differently.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Belief systems evolve gradually, blending old ideas with new evidence to minimize disruption while maximizing continuity.
In simple terms: New ideas fit into old frameworks smoothly.
Key Takeaway
Seek continuity when integrating new insights.
Themes
change
continuity
belief
philosophy
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
academic
When to use this quote
- personal development
- academic study
- cultural shifts
Key Concepts
epistemology
psychology
history
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance new truths with existing values?
- What continuity do you need to accept change?
A Different Perspective
Rapid change can cause resistance and loss of identity.