Being true Quote by Alfred North Whitehead
“It is more important that a proposition be interesting than that it be true. This statement is almost a tautology. For the energy of operation of a proposition in an occasion of experience is its interest and is its importance. But of course a true proposition is more apt to be interesting than a false one.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Process and Reality, 1929
Interest can outweigh truth in evaluating propositions; truth often enhances interest, but curiosity may prioritize relevance.
In simple terms: Interesting ideas matter, sometimes more than truth.
Key Takeaway
Value relevance.
Themes
philosophy
logic
epistemology
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- academic research
- media analysis
- daily decisions
- debates
Key Concepts
interest vs truth
cognitive value
Questions to Reflect On
- When should truth trump interest?
- Can false ideas be useful?
A Different Perspective
Truth remains essential for reliable knowledge.
![“[In many circumstances,] the most important thing about a proposition is not that it be true, but that it be interesting.” quote by Alfred North Whitehead](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4b7/alfred-north-whitehead-836_being-true_in-many-circumstances-the-most-important_298800.jpg)
