Funny Quote by Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr
“No generalization is wholly true—not even this one.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Common Law, 1881
Absolute certainty in general statements is impossible; even the claim of total falsehood is itself a generalization.
In simple terms: No general rule is completely true.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions, seek nuance.
Themes
philosophy
logic
critical thinking
Mood
skeptical
thoughtful
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- legal analysis
- academic debate
- personal decision making
Key Concepts
relativism
self-referential paradox
epistemology
Questions to Reflect On
- What assumptions do you treat as absolute?
- How does recognizing exceptions change your judgments?
A Different Perspective
Claims of total certainty often ignore exceptions.
