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Opinions Quote by John Locke

“New opinions are always suspected, and usually opposed, without any other reason but because they are not already common.” quote by John Locke
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“New opinions are always suspected, and usually opposed, without any other reason but because they are not already common.”

John Locke

About This Quote

Source Book: Two Treatises of Government, 1689

New ideas face suspicion and opposition simply because they are unfamiliar.

In simple terms: Unpopular ideas are often rejected.

Key Takeaway

Challenge assumptions, seek evidence.

Themes

skepticism conformity innovation

Mood

cautious inquisitive

Type

philosophical critical

When to use this quote

  • policy debates
  • scientific research
  • cultural change
  • entrepreneurship

Key Concepts

social psychology cognitive bias

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do we distrust unfamiliar ideas?
  • How can we test new ideas fairly?
A Different Perspective

Even common ideas can be wrong; novelty isn’t proof of truth.

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