Begets Quote by James Madison
“Nothing is so contagious as opinion, especially on questions which, being susceptible of very different glosses, beget in the mind a distrust of itself.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: To Thomas Jefferson, 1790
Opinion spreads rapidly, causing self‑doubt and distrust in one’s own judgment.
In simple terms: Opinions can erode confidence in oneself.
Key Takeaway
Question opinions critically before accepting them.
Themes
opinion
trust
self‑doubt
Mood
analytical
cautious
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- social media
- public debate
- personal decision making
- education
Key Concepts
political theory
cognitive bias
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you differentiate healthy skepticism from paranoia?
- When should you trust your own judgment?
A Different Perspective
Strong opinions can also inspire positive change.
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