--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: argued, with the inventive cunning that…" description: "\"“argued, with the inventive cunning that each of us possesses when a pet theory of ours is refuted by the evidence,”\" — Theodore Dalrymple" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/44a/theodore-dalrymple-7084_argued-inventive_argued-with-the-inventive-cunning-that-e_840828.png" --- # argued, with the inventive cunning that each of us… ![“argued, with the inventive cunning that each of us possesses when a pet theory of ours is refuted by the evidence,” quote by Theodore Dalrymple](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/44a/theodore-dalrymple-7084_argued-inventive_argued-with-the-inventive-cunning-that-e_840828.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/44a/theodore-dalrymple-7084_argued-inventive_argued-with-the-inventive-cunning-that-e_840828.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/44a/theodore-dalrymple-7084_argued-inventive_argued-with-the-inventive-cunning-that-e_840828.png) > ““argued, with the inventive cunning that each of us possesses when a pet theory of ours is refuted by the evidence,”” [Theodore Dalrymple](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/theodore-dalrymple/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. When our cherished ideas are disproved, we often resort to clever arguments to defend them. **In simple terms:** People defend their ideas with clever tricks when proven wrong. Key Takeaway Recognize and accept evidence over ego. Themes cognition ego defense truth Mood reflective critical analytical Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - debates - academic discussions - personal relationships - media commentary Key Concepts cognitive bias confirmation bias intellectual humility Questions to Reflect On - How do you react when evidence contradicts your belief? - Can you separate ego from truth? A Different Perspective Overreliance on cleverness can obscure genuine learning. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet ## Related quotes > [You have a pet theory, one you have been turning over for years, that life itself is a kind of Rube Goldberg device, an…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-brockmeier/you-have-a-pet-theory-one-you-have-been-turning-over-for-years-that/) [Kevin Brockmeier](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-brockmeier/) > [For a theory to be scientific it must be capable of being refuted by the evidence. 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