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Believed Quote by Paul Valery

“That which has been believed by everyone, always and everywhere, has every chance of being false.” quote by Paul Valery
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“That which has been believed by everyone, always and everywhere, has every chance of being false.”

Paul Valery

About This Quote

Source Essay: “The Art of Thinking,” 1911

Collective belief can become a false consensus, so widespread acceptance does not guarantee truth.

In simple terms: Popular ideas can be wrong.

Key Takeaway

Question widely accepted beliefs.

Themes

philosophy critical thinking truth social influence

Mood

skeptical analytical

Type

philosophical educational

When to use this quote

  • academic research
  • media consumption
  • policy making

Key Concepts

epistemology groupthink skepticism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you verify popular claims?
  • When should you trust the majority?
A Different Perspective

Consensus can also reflect genuine insight.

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