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Change Quote by Arthur Schopenhauer

“No greater mistake can be made than to imagine that what has been written latest is always the more correct; that what is written later on is an improvement on what was written previously; and that every change means progress.” quote by Arthur Schopenhauer
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“No greater mistake can be made than to imagine that what has been written latest is always the more correct; that what is written later on is an improvement on what was written previously; and that every change means progress.”

Arthur Schopenhauer

About This Quote

Source Philosophical Treatise: The World as Will and Representation, 1818

Warns against assuming newer ideas are inherently better, emphasizing that progress is not guaranteed by chronology.

In simple terms: Newer ideas aren't always better.

Key Takeaway

Evaluate ideas on merit, not age.

Themes

philosophy progress history

Mood

skeptical thoughtful

Type

critical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • academic research
  • technology adoption
  • policy reform
  • cultural trends

Key Concepts

epistemology historical relativism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What criteria should guide acceptance of new ideas?
  • How do we recognize genuine progress?
A Different Perspective

Innovation can be regressive or harmful.

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