Held Fast Quote by Ludwig Wittgenstein
““What stands fast does so, not because it is intrinsically obvious or convincing; it is rather held fast by what lies around it.””
About This Quote
Source Philosophical Essay: Remarks on the Foundations of Mathematics, 1950
Beliefs persist not because they are self‑evident, but because surrounding ideas support them.
In simple terms: Ideas stay firm due to surrounding context.
Key Takeaway
Examine the context that upholds your convictions.
Themes
philosophy
epistemology
social influence
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
philosophical
introspective
When to use this quote
- political ideology
- scientific paradigms
- cultural traditions
Key Concepts
contextualism
belief formation
Questions to Reflect On
- What surrounding ideas reinforce your current view?
- Can you identify a belief that changed when its context shifted?
A Different Perspective
Context can be manipulated to sustain false beliefs.
