Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
Most men, when they become wiser, will back their opinions with a wager.
In plain terms
People tend to bet on their beliefs once they gain experience.
What can you take from it?
Experience often leads to defending one’s views more strongly.

Where it applies

  • debates
  • decision making

Putting it to work

  • stand by convictions
  • use bets to test ideas

Questions to consider

  • When does confidence become arrogance?
  • What role does risk play in belief?

Another view

Not all wise people gamble on opinions; some stay humble.

More from Lord Byron

  1. Though the night was made for loving, And the day returns too soon, Yet we'll go no more a roving By the light of the moon.

    Permalink to quote #104
  2. Soprano, basso, even the contra-alto, Wished him five fathom under the Rialto.

    Permalink to quote #106
  3. For the sword outwears its sheath, And the soul wears out the breast, And the heart must pause to breathe, And love itself have rest.

    Permalink to quote #103

Related quotes

  1. You must wager; it is not optional... Let us weigh the gain and the loss in wagering that God exists... If you gain, you gain all; if you lose, you lose nothin…

    Blaise PascalBlaise Pascal quote #70
  2. The chapter of knowledge is a very short, but the chapter of accidents is a very long one.

    Philip StanhopePhilip Stanhope quote #1
  3. Que sais-je?

    Michel de MontaigneMichel de Montaigne quote #1