Broke Quote by Steven Pinker
“My politics were pretty anarchistic until 1969 when the Montreal police went on strike. Within hours, mayhem and rioting broke out and the Mounties had to be called in to restore order. It instilled in me that one's convictions can be subjected to empirical test.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Better Angels of Our Nature, 2011
Personal experience showed that beliefs can be challenged by real events, prompting reassessment of political views.
In simple terms: Experiences can test and change beliefs.
Key Takeaway
Be open to evidence that challenges your assumptions.
Themes
politics
personal growth
empiricism
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- political activism
- law enforcement
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
cognitive flexibility
belief revision
social order
Questions to Reflect On
- How have you re-evaluated a core belief after new facts?
- What role does evidence play in shaping ideology?
A Different Perspective
Beliefs may resist change despite contrary evidence.
