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About this quote

What does it mean?
Events themselves, rather than new ideas, are what disprove conventional wisdom.
In plain terms
Reality changes our old beliefs more than arguments do.
What can you take from it?
Real-world events change minds faster than theory.

Where it applies

  • policy making
  • societal shifts
  • debate

Putting it to work

  • observe trends
  • adapt to reality

Questions to consider

  • What event changed your worldview?
  • Can ideas ever beat events?

Another view

Ideas can also shape how events are interpreted.

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  3. Man, at least when educated, is a pessimist. He believes it safer not to reflect on his achievements; Jove is known to strike such people down.

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