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Hold fast Quote by John F. Kennedy

“The great enemy of truth is very often not the lie--deliberate, contrived and dishonest--but the myth--persistent, persuasive and unrealistic. Too often we hold fast to the cliches of our forebears. We subject all facts to a prefabricated set of interpretations. We enjoy the comfort of opinion…” quote by John F. Kennedy
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““The great enemy of truth is very often not the lie--deliberate, contrived and dishonest--but the myth--persistent, persuasive and unrealistic. Too often we hold fast to the cliches of our forebears. We subject all facts to a prefabricated set of interpretations. We enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought. [Commencement Address at Yale University, June 11 1962] ””

John F. Kennedy

About This Quote

Source Speech: Commencement Address, Yale University, June 11 1962

Truth is threatened not only by outright lies but by persistent myths and comfortable opinions that avoid deep thinking.

In simple terms: Myths and easy opinions block truth.

Key Takeaway

Question assumptions, seek evidence.

Themes

critical thinking truth myths comfort zones

Mood

reflective challenging inquisitive

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • academic debates
  • media consumption
  • policy making
  • personal belief formation

Key Concepts

cognitive bias social conformity epistemology

Questions to Reflect On

  • What beliefs do you accept without scrutiny?
  • How can you test the validity of popular narratives?
A Different Perspective

Myths can be deeply ingrained and hard to dislodge.

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