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Admitting Quote by C. E. M. Joad

“There are those who feel an imperative need to believe, for whom the values of a belief are proportionate not to its truth, but to its definiteness. Incapable of either admitting the existence of contrary judgments or of suspending their own, they supply the place of knowledge by turning other…” quote by C. E. M. Joad
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“There are those who feel an imperative need to believe, for whom the values of a belief are proportionate not to its truth, but to its definiteness. Incapable of either admitting the existence of contrary judgments or of suspending their own, they supply the place of knowledge by turning other men's conjectures into dogmas.”

C. E. M. Joad

About This Quote

Source Book: The Philosophy of Religion, C. E. M. Joad, 1935

People cling to beliefs because the certainty they provide feels more valuable than truth, turning speculation into dogma.

In simple terms: Belief valued for certainty over truth.

Key Takeaway

Question your certainty.

Themes

faith certainty dogma

Mood

skeptical reflective

Type

philosophical critical

When to use this quote

  • political debate
  • religious discussion
  • personal decision making

Key Concepts

epistemology psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • What do you value more: certainty or truth?
  • How do you handle contradictory evidence?
A Different Perspective

Beliefs can be challenged by evidence.

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