Belief Quote by Anthony Storr
“Whether a belief is considered to be a delusion or not depends partly upon the intensity with which it is defended, and partly upon the numbers of people subscribing to it.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Anatomy of Human Destructiveness, Anthony Storr, 1979
Beliefs are judged by how fiercely they are defended and how many people hold them; intensity and popularity shape perception of delusion.
In simple terms: Belief's truth is seen by its defense strength and follower count.
Key Takeaway
Assess belief by evidence, not just popularity.
Themes
belief
delusion
social influence
Mood
skeptical
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- political movements
- religious sects
- marketing campaigns
- online communities
Key Concepts
psychology
group dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- What beliefs do you accept without questioning?
- How does group pressure affect your convictions?
A Different Perspective
Popular ideas can be false; minority truths can be dismissed.
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