Axiom Policy Quote by Edwin A. Abbott
““All this very plausible reasoning does not convince me, as it has not convinced the wisest of our Statesmen, that our ancestors erred in laying it down as an axiom of policy that the toleration of Irregularity is incompatible with the safety of the State.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions by Edwin A. Abbott, 1884
The author doubts that logical arguments alone can change entrenched political beliefs, especially when those beliefs are treated as fundamental policy principles.
In simple terms: Reasoning alone may not sway deep‑rooted political views.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions behind long‑standing policies.
Themes
politics
reasoning
tradition
Mood
skeptical
reflective
Type
philosophical
political
critical
When to use this quote
- legislative debate
- constitutional reform
- public policy analysis
Key Concepts
policy
axiom
toleration
Questions to Reflect On
- What policies are upheld more by tradition than evidence?
- How can we test the safety of a state without relying on outdated axioms?
A Different Perspective
Even strong arguments may fail if they clash with established authority or cultural inertia.
