Difficult things Quote by Anonymous
““The human understanding is no dry light, but receives infusion from the will and affections; whence proceeds sciences which may be called "sciences as one would." For what a man had rather were true he more readily believes. Therefore he rejects difficult things from impatience of research; sober things, because they narrow hope; the deeper things of nature, from supersition; the light of experience, from arrogrance and pride; things not commonly believed, out of deference to the opinion of the vulgar. Numberless in short are the ways, and sometimes imperceptible, in which the affections color and infect the understanding. 1620 - Francis Bacon””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Francis Bacon, 1620
Understanding is shaped by emotions and desires, which bias what we accept as true and influence scientific inquiry.
In simple terms: Emotions affect how we understand and accept knowledge.
Recognize and question your biases.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- research
- education
- decision making
- media consumption
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What beliefs do you hold because of desire?
- How can you separate feeling from fact?
Human rationality is limited; emotions can mislead even experts.