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Believe Quote by John Dolan

“Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it; or because it is in your traditions; or because many speak about it; or because it is found in your religious books; or because your teachers and elders believe it; or because you have become attached to it from habit.” quote by John Dolan
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““Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it; or because it is in your traditions; or because many speak about it; or because it is found in your religious books; or because your teachers and elders believe it; or because you have become attached to it from habit.””

John Dolan

About This Quote

Source Essay: Critical thinking, John Dolan, 2015

The quote warns against accepting ideas solely based on tradition, authority, or habit, urging independent evaluation.

In simple terms: Don't accept ideas just because they're familiar.

Key Takeaway

Question assumptions before believing.

Themes

critical thinking skepticism tradition authority habit

Mood

inquisitive reflective skeptical

Type

philosophical educational

When to use this quote

  • education
  • personal decision making
  • media consumption

Key Concepts

philosophy cognitive bias

Questions to Reflect On

  • What beliefs have you accepted without scrutiny?
  • How can you test the validity of a tradition?
A Different Perspective

May overlook the value of cultural continuity.

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