Appearance Quote by Thomas Paine
“A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong, gives it a superficial appearance of being right, and raises at first a formidable outcry in defense of custom. But the tumult soon subsides. Time makes more converts than reason.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Common Sense, 1776
Repeatedly accepting flawed ideas makes them seem correct until change eventually prevails.
In simple terms: Habit can mask errors until time reveals truth.
Key Takeaway
Question long‑standing assumptions.
Themes
tradition
critical thinking
change
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- politics
- science
- cultural norms
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
social conformity
historical inertia
Questions to Reflect On
- What assumptions have you accepted without question?
- How can you test long‑held beliefs?
A Different Perspective
Changing entrenched habits is difficult.
