Philosophy Quote by William Gilmore Simms
“Philosophy has its bugbears, as well as superstition.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Adventures of John Smith, 1852
Philosophy and superstition both distract from clear reasoning, each with its own persistent flaws.
In simple terms: Both philosophy and superstition hinder clear thought.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions in both realms.
Themes
philosophy
superstition
critical thinking
bias
intellectual honesty
Mood
reflective
inquisitive
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic discourse
- personal belief systems
- public policy
Key Concepts
epistemology
cognitive bias
Questions to Reflect On
- What biases affect your reasoning?
- How can we balance skepticism and open‑mindedness?
A Different Perspective
Superstition can be culturally entrenched, making it hard to challenge.
![“Why, in our age of science, [do] we still have laws and policies which come from an age of superstition?” quote by Shereen El Feki](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7a5/shereen-el-feki-23044_age_why-in-our-age-of-science-do-we-still-ha_82705.jpg)
![“No theory is too false, no fable too absurd, no superstition too degrading for acceptance when it has become embedded in common belief. Men will submit themselves to torture and to death, mothers will immolate [burn] their children at the bidding of beliefs they thus accept.” quote by Henry George](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/68e/henry-george-8103_absurd_no-theory-is-too-false-no-fable-too-absu_70212.jpg)
![“I never knew any man who had once tasted the sweetness of experimental knowledge, that ever afterward fasted after ye Vapour garlick and onions of phantasmatical seeming philosophy." [William Petty]” quote by Carl Zimmer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e5a/carl-zimmer-16331_knowledge_i-never-knew-any-man-who-had-once-tasted_1770.jpg)
