--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: there are very few who can think, but…" description: "\"there are very few who can think, but every man wants to have an opinion; and what remains but to take it ready-made from others, instead of forming op..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b41/arthur-schopenhauer-226_every-man_there-are-very-few-who-can-think-but-eve_41525.jpg" --- # there are very few who can think, but every man wants to… ![“there are very few who can think, but every man wants to have an opinion; and what remains but to take it ready-made from others, instead of forming opinions for himself?” quote by Arthur Schopenhauer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b41/arthur-schopenhauer-226_every-man_there-are-very-few-who-can-think-but-eve_41525.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b41/arthur-schopenhauer-226_every-man_there-are-very-few-who-can-think-but-eve_41525.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b41/arthur-schopenhauer-226_every-man_there-are-very-few-who-can-think-but-eve_41525.jpg) > “there are very few who can think, but every man wants to have an opinion; and what remains but to take it ready-made from others, instead of forming opinions for himself?” [Arthur Schopenhauer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/arthur-schopenhauer/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. People often lack independent thought, preferring to adopt ready-made opinions rather than forming their own. **In simple terms:** Critique of unoriginal thinking Key Takeaway Original thought is rare, opinions are often borrowed Themes individualism critical thinking conformity intellectual autonomy cognitive laziness Mood thoughtful skeptical reflective Type philosophical maxim observation When to use this quote - academic discussions - political debates - social media commentary - team brainstorming sessions Key Concepts opinion formation self-reliance mental independence Practical Applications - encouraging personal reflection - teaching critical analysis skills Questions to Reflect On - How can I cultivate my own judgments? - What habits reinforce reliance on others' views? ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Forming opinions](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/forming-opinions/) [Greatness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/greatness/) [Men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/men/) [Opinion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/opinion/) [Opinions](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/opinions/) [Thinking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thinking/) ## Related quotes > [When a woman asks for your opinion, she doesn't want your opinion. 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