Certain Quote by Voltaire
“He who has heard the same thing told by 12,000 eye-witnesses has only 12,000 probabilities, which are equal to one strong probability, which is far from certain.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Philosophical Reflections, 1764
Multiple eyewitness accounts increase perceived probability but still do not guarantee certainty.
In simple terms: More witnesses don’t guarantee truth.
Question evidence critically.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- legal testimony
- scientific research
- media reports
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How many sources are enough for certainty?
- What limits affect eyewitness reliability?
Even many accounts can be biased.