Falsehood Quote by Desiderius Erasmus
“Man's mind is so formed that it is far more susceptible to falsehood than to truth.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Praise of Folly, Desiderius Erasmus, 1511
Human cognition tends to favor comforting falsehoods over harsh truths, leading to self‑deception.
In simple terms: Mind prefers lies over truth.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate critical thinking and seek evidence.
Themes
psychology
philosophy
truth
bias
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
psychological
When to use this quote
- decision making
- education
- media consumption
- personal growth
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
confirmation bias
epistemology
Questions to Reflect On
- What beliefs do you hold despite contrary evidence?
- How can we better detect self‑deception?
A Different Perspective
People can also value truth when it aligns with identity.
![“A mind, once formed, is never suited after, One yet in growth will ever grateful be. [Ger., Wer fertig ist, dem ist nichts recht zu machen, Ein Werdender wird immer dankbar sein.]” quote by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/074/johann-wolfgang-von-goethe-36_formed_a-mind-once-formed-is-never-suited-after_2785419.jpg)
![“A mind conscious of right laughs at the falsehoods of rumour. [Lat., Conscia mens recti famae mendacia risit.]” quote by Ovid](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/95c/ovid-276_conscious_a-mind-conscious-of-right-laughs-at-the_12185.jpg)
![“[Roger] “Do you know how amazingly beautiful you are to me?” “As beautiful as you are to me.” She slid her gaze down then back up with one of those secret smiles that played havoc with a man’s mind. He shook his head. “Nah, I couldn’t be, because you’d be insane with your need to just watch me…” quote by J.L. Saint](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/dba/j-l-saint-47274_every-moment_roger-do-you-know-how-amazingly-beautifu_2910.jpg)
