--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: In general, inquiry ceases when we adopt…" description: "\"In general, inquiry ceases when we adopt a theory. After that, we overlook whatever makes against it, and see and think, and talk and write, only in it..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/73d/christian-nestell-bovee-1003_cease_in-general-inquiry-ceases-when-we-adopt_401370.png" --- # In general, inquiry ceases when we adopt a theory. After… ![“In general, inquiry ceases when we adopt a theory. After that, we overlook whatever makes against it, and see and think, and talk and write, only in its favor. Indeed, when we have a snug, comfortable theory, to which we are much attached, they appear to us as a very mean set of facts that will…” quote by Christian Nestell Bovee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/73d/christian-nestell-bovee-1003_cease_in-general-inquiry-ceases-when-we-adopt_401370.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/73d/christian-nestell-bovee-1003_cease_in-general-inquiry-ceases-when-we-adopt_401370.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/73d/christian-nestell-bovee-1003_cease_in-general-inquiry-ceases-when-we-adopt_401370.png) > “In general, inquiry ceases when we adopt a theory. After that, we overlook whatever makes against it, and see and think, and talk and write, only in its favor. Indeed, when we have a snug, comfortable theory, to which we are much attached, they appear to us as a very mean set of facts that will not square with it.” [Christian Nestell Bovee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/christian-nestell-bovee/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Adhering to a comfortable theory blinds us to contradictory evidence, causing biased reasoning. **In simple terms:** Holding a theory can blind us to opposing facts. Key Takeaway Question assumptions and seek contrary evidence. Themes critical thinking bias theory inquiry skepticism Mood reflective analytical Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - academic research - policy analysis - scientific experiments - media reporting Key Concepts confirmation bias epistemology intellectual humility Questions to Reflect On - What theories do you cling to? - How can you test them against opposing data? A Different Perspective Overcoming bias requires effort and openness to discomfort. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Facts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/facts/) [Inquiry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/inquiry/) [Thinking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thinking/) [Writing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writing/) ## Related quotes > [There was a product on late night TV that you could attach to your garden hose - "You can water your hard-to-reach plants with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mitch-hedberg/there-was-a-product-on-late-night-tv-that-you-could-attach-to-your/) [Mitch Hedberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mitch-hedberg/) > [Every means should be taken to attach the soldier to his colours.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/napoleon-bonaparte/every-means-should-be-taken-to-attach-the-soldier-to-his-colours/) [Napoleon Bonaparte](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/napoleon-bonaparte/) > [It doesn't matter if you have a D, or an I or an R after your name if you have a job - a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sher-valenzuela/it-doesn-t-matter-if-you-have-a-d-or-an-i-or-an-r-after-your-name-if/) [Sher Valenzuela](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sher-valenzuela/) > [Real actors are the most courageous people I know. 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