Application Quote by Edmund Burke
“Prejudice is of ready application in the emergency; it previously engages the mind in a steady course of wisdom and virtue, and does not leave the man hesitating in the moment of decision, skeptical, puzzled and unresolved. Prejudice renders a man's virtue his habit; and not a series of unconnected acts. Through past prejudice, his duty becomes part of his nature.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Reflections on the Revolution in France, 1790
Prejudice acts as a mental shortcut, turning virtue into habit, preventing doubt at crucial moments, but it also blinds us to new perspectives.
In simple terms: Prejudice makes virtue automatic, limiting doubt.
Key Takeaway
Question habits, stay open to new evidence.
Themes
bias
habit
virtue
decision‑making
confidence
Mood
cautious
thoughtful
skeptical
Type
philosophical
ethical
political
When to use this quote
- political decision
- judicial rulings
- medical diagnosis
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
cognitive psychology
philosophy
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- When does habit hinder moral growth?
- How to balance intuition with critical thinking?
A Different Perspective
Overreliance can cause errors.
