Credulity Quote by William E. Gladstone
“A rational reaction against irrational excesses and vagaries of skepticism may * * * readily degenerate into the rival folly of credulity.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Rationality and belief, William E. Gladstone, 1885
Excessive skepticism can turn into credulity, a different kind of folly.
In simple terms: Too much doubt leads to gullibility.
Key Takeaway
Balance skepticism with open‑mindedness.
Themes
reason
skepticism
credulity
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- debate
- critical thinking
- education
- media analysis
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
intellectual humility
Questions to Reflect On
- When does healthy doubt become harmful?
- How can we guard against both extremes?
A Different Perspective
Finding the middle ground is challenging in polarized discourse.
![“[The British constitution] presumes more boldly than any other the good sense and the good faith of those who work it.” quote by William E. Gladstone](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e01/william-e-gladstone-9842_british_the-british-constitution-presumes-more-b_529585.jpg)
