Consequence Quote by Thomas Hobbes
“When it happeneth that a man signifieth unto us two contradictory opinions whereof the one is clearly and directly signified, andthe other either drawn from that by consequence, or not known to be contradictory to it; then (when he is not present to explicate himself better) we are to take the former of his opinions; for that is clearly signified to be his, and directly, whereas the other might proceed from error in the deduction, or ignorance of the repugnancy.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Leviathan, 1651
When faced with conflicting statements, trust the one that is clearly expressed and directly linked to the speaker, because the other may stem from error or ignorance.
In simple terms: Choose the clear, direct opinion over the ambiguous one.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize clarity over speculation.
Themes
logic
decision-making
communication
critical thinking
Mood
analytical
skeptical
Type
philosophical
practical
When to use this quote
- legal arguments
- scientific debates
- personal disagreements
- policy discussions
Key Concepts
epistemology
deduction
error analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you verify the clarity of an opinion?
- What if both statements seem equally clear?
A Different Perspective
Ambiguity can persist even after choosing the clearer view, leading to misunderstandings.
