Skip to content

Credence Quote by John Kenneth Galbraith

“Nostalgia combines regularly with manifest respectability to give credence to old error as opposed to new truth.” quote by John Kenneth Galbraith
Download Open image
“Nostalgia combines regularly with manifest respectability to give credence to old error as opposed to new truth.”

John Kenneth Galbraith

About This Quote

Source Book: The Affluent Society, John Kenneth Galbraith, 1958

Nostalgia can make past mistakes seem respectable, while new ideas are dismissed as unproven.

In simple terms: Old errors look good, new truths look risky.

Key Takeaway

Question assumptions about the past versus the present.

Themes

history psychology innovation bias change

Mood

reflective critical thoughtful

Type

philosophical analytical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • team meetings
  • strategic planning
  • personal relationships
  • policy debates

Key Concepts

cognitive bias social proof status quo bias

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does nostalgia affect your decision making?
  • What new ideas are you dismissing?
A Different Perspective

Nostalgia may overlook the value of fresh evidence.

4.2 out of 5 (5 ratings)

More by John Kenneth Galbraith

Explore all 434 John Kenneth Galbraith quotes

More Credence quotes

Browse all 53 Credence quotes