In like manner, if I let myself believe anything on…
“In like manner, if I let myself believe anything on insufficient evidence, there may be no great harm done by the mere belief; it may be true after all, or I may never have occasion to exhibit it in outward acts.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Believing without evidence is harmless unless it leads to outward actions; untested beliefs may never manifest.
In simple terms: Unfounded beliefs are okay if they stay private.
Key Takeaway
Base actions on evidence, not mere belief.
Themes
epistemology
ethics
evidence
Mood
analytical
cautious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- scientific research
- policy making
- personal decision making
- public discourse
Key Concepts
rationalism
belief formation
Questions to Reflect On
- What beliefs do you hold without proof?
- How do you test the validity of your convictions?
A Different Perspective
Some beliefs, even private, can subtly shape behavior.