Accepted Quote by Mary Roach
“In my experience, the most staunchly held views are based on ignorance or accepted dogma, not carefully considered accumulations of facts. The more you expose the intricacies and realtities of the situation, the less clear-cut things become.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach, 2003
People often cling to strong opinions formed by lack of knowledge or unquestioned beliefs, and deeper investigation reveals complexity that undermines certainty.
In simple terms: Strong opinions often stem from ignorance, and deeper study shows complexity.
Question assumptions and seek evidence.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- scientific research
- policy debates
- personal beliefs
- media consumption
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence supports your view?
- How might new information change your stance?
Complexity can be overwhelming, leading to analysis paralysis.