Adopted Quote by Francis Bacon
“The human understanding when it has once adopted an opinion (either as being the received opinion or as being agreeable to itself) draws all things else to support and agree with it. And though there be a greater number and weight of instances to be found on the other side, yet these it either neglects and despises, or else by some distinction sets aside and rejects, in order that by this great and pernicious predetermination the authority of its former conclusions may remain inviolate.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Novum Organum, 1620
Once an opinion is adopted, people selectively gather supporting evidence and dismiss contrary data, preserving the original belief despite opposing facts.
In simple terms: Bias filters information to protect beliefs.
Key Takeaway
Seek opposing viewpoints and test assumptions.
Themes
cognitive bias
confirmation bias
epistemology
critical thinking
truth seeking
Mood
skeptical
analytical
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- academic research
- policy debates
- personal decision making
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
science methodology
Questions to Reflect On
- What belief do you hold that you haven’t questioned?
- How can you create a systematic check for bias?
A Different Perspective
Overconfidence can blind one to vital evidence, leading to flawed conclusions.
