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Active Quote by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

“The stony-minded orthodox were right in fearing the first movement of new knowledge and free thought. It has gone on, and will go on, irresistibly, until some day we shall have no respect for an alleged "truth" which cannot stand the full blaze of knowledge, the full force of active thought.” quote by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
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“The stony-minded orthodox were right in fearing the first movement of new knowledge and free thought. It has gone on, and will go on, irresistibly, until some day we shall have no respect for an alleged "truth" which cannot stand the full blaze of knowledge, the full force of active thought.”

Charlotte Perkins Gilman

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Yellow Wallpaper, 1892

Resistance to new ideas is natural, but progress demands questioning accepted truths through rigorous thought.

In simple terms: People fear new ideas, yet truth must survive scrutiny.

Key Takeaway

Challenge assumptions, seek evidence.

Themes

progress critical thinking truth intellectual freedom

Mood

thoughtful determined

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • academic research
  • policy making
  • personal belief revision
  • education reform

Key Concepts

skepticism epistemology social change

Questions to Reflect On

  • What truths do you accept without questioning?
  • How can you foster open inquiry?
A Different Perspective

Change can be slow and meet strong opposition.

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