Bird Quote by Thomas Hobbes
“From whence it happens, that they which trust to books, do as they that cast up many little sums into a greater, without considering whether those little sums were rightly cast up or not; and at last finding the error visible, and not mistrusting their first grounds, know not which way to clear themselves; but spend time in fluttering over their books, as birds that entering by the chimney, and finding themselves enclosed in a chamber, flutter at the false light of a glass window, for want of wit to consider which way they came in.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Leviathan, 1651
Blind trust in books leads to errors; critical thinking is needed.
In simple terms: Question sources, think critically.
Key Takeaway
Don’t accept information unexamined.
Themes
knowledge
critical thinking
skepticism
Mood
thoughtful
cautious
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- academic study
- policy making
- personal decisions
Key Concepts
epistemology
logic
Questions to Reflect On
- What assumptions do you accept without proof?
- How can you verify information better?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on doubt can cause paralysis.
