Paid Quote by Henry David Thoreau
“There is no rule more invariable than that we are paid for our suspicions by finding what we suspect.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "Civil Disobedience", 1849
People are compensated for their doubts when those doubts are proven correct, highlighting the value of skepticism.
In simple terms: Suspicion pays when proven right.
Question assumptions and seek evidence.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- investigative journalism
- legal analysis
- scientific research
- personal decision making
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When have your doubts been validated?
- How do you balance healthy skepticism with openness?
Over‑reliance on suspicion can breed paranoia and distrust.