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To regard the successful experiences which ensue from a…

“To regard the successful experiences which ensue from a belief as a criterion of its truth is one thing--and a thing that is sometimes bad and sometimes good--but to assume that truth itself consists in the process by which it is verified is a different thing and always bad.” quote by William Pepperell Montague
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“To regard the successful experiences which ensue from a belief as a criterion of its truth is one thing--and a thing that is sometimes bad and sometimes good--but to assume that truth itself consists in the process by which it is verified is a different thing and always bad.”

William Pepperell Montague

About This Quote

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

Treating successful outcomes as proof of belief is flawed; truth isn’t defined by verification methods.

In simple terms: Success doesn’t prove belief is true.

Key Takeaway

Question verification methods.

Themes

philosophy epistemology truth belief logic

Mood

thoughtful critical

Type

philosophical analytical

When to use this quote

  • academic debate
  • scientific research
  • personal decision making

Key Concepts

verification truth criteria belief systems

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you distinguish true belief from lucky outcomes?
  • Can verification ever capture absolute truth?
A Different Perspective

Verification can be biased or incomplete.

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