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About this quote

What does it mean?
An argument's value lies in provoking thought, not being logically sound.
In plain terms
A good argument makes you think, regardless of its logical correctness.
What can you take from it?
Prioritize thought-provoking ideas over strict logical soundness.

Where it applies

  • debate
  • education
  • decision making

Putting it to work

  • ask questions
  • challenge assumptions
  • value curiosity

Questions to consider

  • What idea changed your thinking?
  • Do you prefer truth or provocation?

Another view

Flawed arguments can lead to harmful conclusions if not checked.

More from Albert Camus

  1. 'What on earth prompted you to take a hand in this?' 'I don't know. My: my code of morals, perhaps.' 'Your code of morals. What code, if I may ask?' 'Comprehen…

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  2. The evil that is in the world always comes of ignorance, and good intentions may do as much harm as malevolence, if they lack understanding. On the whole men a…

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  3. There lay certitude; there, in the daily round. All the rest hung on mere threads and trivial contingencies; you couldn't waste your time on it. The thing was …

    Permalink to quote #75

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