Dare Quote by William Hazlitt
“Our opinions are not our own, but in the power of sympathy. If a person tells us a palpable falsehood, we not only dare not contradict him, but we dare hardly disbelieve him to his face. A lie boldly uttered has the effect of truth for the instant.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "On the Pleasures of the Imagination", 1826
We often accept falsehoods due to sympathy; bold lies can temporarily seem true.
In simple terms: Sympathy can make us believe lies.
Key Takeaway
Question and verify claims.
Themes
truth
sympathy
deception
Mood
critical
cautious
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- media consumption
- personal relationships
- advertising
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
social influence
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we accept uncomfortable truths?
- How to balance empathy with critical thinking?
A Different Perspective
Blind trust can be exploited.
