Accepted Quote by Thomas Sowell
“Virtually no idea is too ridiculous to be accepted, even by very intelligent and highly educated people, if it provides a way for them to feel special and important. Some confuse that feeling with idealism.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Basic Economics, Thomas Sowell, 2000
People accept absurd ideas when those ideas boost their ego or sense of importance, mistaking flattery for genuine idealism.
In simple terms: People believe ridiculous ideas if they feel special.
Key Takeaway
Question ego, seek evidence.
Themes
ego
psychology
belief
ideology
intelligence
Mood
reflective
critical
skeptical
Type
advice
philosophical
psychological
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- academic circles
- online forums
- marketing pitches
- leadership decisions
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
social validation
status seeking
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you accept ideas because they make you feel important?
- How can you separate ego from truth?
A Different Perspective
Even intelligent people can be swayed by ego, so critical thinking is essential.
![“We have reached a situation where a theory has been accepted as fact by some, and possible contrary evidence is shunted aside. [This is] mythology rather than science.” quote by Robert Shapiro](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c31/robert-shapiro-26969_accepted_we-have-reached-a-situation-where-a-theo_19120.jpg)
