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Believe Quote by David Hume

“Does a man of sense run after every silly tale of hobgoblins or fairies, and canvass particularly the evidence? I never knew anyone, that examined and deliberated about nonsense who did not believe it before the end of his enquiries.” quote by David Hume
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“Does a man of sense run after every silly tale of hobgoblins or fairies, and canvass particularly the evidence? I never knew anyone, that examined and deliberated about nonsense who did not believe it before the end of his enquiries.”

David Hume

About This Quote

Source Philosophical Essay: An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, David Hume, 1748

People often believe nonsense until they examine evidence, then they may still hold belief.

In simple terms: Belief persists despite scrutiny.

Key Takeaway

Question assumptions critically.

Themes

skepticism belief evidence

Mood

analytical inquisitive

Type

philosophical educational

When to use this quote

  • scientific research
  • media consumption
  • political discourse
  • personal decisions

Key Concepts

epistemology cognitive bias critical thinking

Questions to Reflect On

  • What belief have you held without sufficient evidence?
  • How do you test the validity of new claims?
A Different Perspective

Evidence may be misinterpreted.

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