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Eye Quote by Plautus

“One eye-witness is of more weight than ten hearsays. Those who hear, speak of shat they have heard; whose who see, know beyond mistake. [Lat., Pluris est oculatus testis unus, quam auriti decem. Qui audiunt, audita dicunt; qui vident, plane sciunt.]” quote by Plautus
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“One eye-witness is of more weight than ten hearsays. Those who hear, speak of shat they have heard; whose who see, know beyond mistake. [Lat., Pluris est oculatus testis unus, quam auriti decem. Qui audiunt, audita dicunt; qui vident, plane sciunt.]”

Plautus

About This Quote

Source Play: The Comedy of Plautus, 2nd century BC

Direct experience is more reliable than second‑hand reports.

In simple terms: Seeing is believing, hearing is less trustworthy.

Key Takeaway

Value firsthand observation over gossip.

Themes

trust experience knowledge

Mood

cautious analytical

Type

philosophical practical

When to use this quote

  • legal testimony
  • journalism
  • research
  • personal decisions

Key Concepts

epistemology critical thinking

Questions to Reflect On

  • When should you trust a witness?
  • How do you verify second‑hand information?
A Different Perspective

Firsthand accounts can be biased or limited.

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