Being true Quote by Michel de Montaigne
“Whenever a new discovery is reported to the world, they say first, It is probably not true, Then after, when the truth of the new proposition has been demonstrated beyond question, they say, Yes, it may be true, but it is not important. Finally, when sufficient time has elapsed to fully evidence its importance, they say, Yes, surely it is important, but it is no longer new.”
About This Quote
People often dismiss new ideas, then later downplay their significance, and finally accept them as unremarkable once they become established.
In simple terms: New ideas are first doubted, then ignored, then taken for granted.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and value novelty before it fades.
Themes
skepticism
knowledge
time
culture
perception
Mood
reflective
critical
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
observational
When to use this quote
- academic conferences
- media reporting
- policy making
- public discourse
Key Concepts
epistemology
social dynamics
innovation diffusion
Questions to Reflect On
- How does novelty bias affect our judgment?
- What mechanisms can keep important ideas visible?
A Different Perspective
Even after proof, importance may be overlooked due to familiarity.
