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Thought Quote by Leo Tolstoy

“If only [people] understood that every thought is both false and true! False by one-sidenedness resulting from man's inability to embrace the whole truth, and true as an expression of one fact of human endeavor.” quote by Leo Tolstoy
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““If only [people] understood that every thought is both false and true! False by one-sidenedness resulting from man's inability to embrace the whole truth, and true as an expression of one fact of human endeavor.””

Leo Tolstoy

About This Quote

Source Novel: War and Peace, Leo Tolstoy, 1869

Thoughts contain contradictions; truth emerges from embracing complexity, not from one‑sided perspectives.

In simple terms: Thoughts are both true and false.

Key Takeaway

Seek nuanced understanding beyond binary thinking.

Themes

philosophy psychology truth

Mood

introspective curious

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • debates
  • creative writing
  • problem solving

Key Concepts

dialectics cognitive bias epistemology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you handle contradictory ideas?
  • What methods help you integrate opposing views?
A Different Perspective

Complexity can be overwhelming without guidance.

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