Philosophy Quote by Clarence Irving Lewis
““If the truth should be complex and somewhat disillusioning, it would still not be a merit to substitute for it some more dramatic and comforting simplicity.””
About This Quote
Complex truth, even if unsettling, should not be replaced by comforting but false simplicity; truth’s complexity is valuable.
In simple terms: Complex truth outweighs comforting falsehood.
Key Takeaway
Prefer truth over comforting lies.
Themes
philosophy
truth
complexity
comfort
deception
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- media analysis
- personal decision making
- ethical dilemmas
Key Concepts
epistemology
ethical reasoning
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- When is simplicity justified?
- How do you balance truth and comfort?
A Different Perspective
Simplicity can be useful in communication, though it may distort reality.
![“I never knew any man who had once tasted the sweetness of experimental knowledge, that ever afterward fasted after ye Vapour garlick and onions of phantasmatical seeming philosophy." [William Petty]” quote by Carl Zimmer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e5a/carl-zimmer-16331_knowledge_i-never-knew-any-man-who-had-once-tasted_1770.jpg)
