It is not the facts which guide the conduct of men, but their opinions about facts; which may be entirely wrong. We can only make them right by discussion.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Human conduct is driven by opinions about facts rather than facts themselves, and correcting wrong opinions requires discussion.
- In plain terms
- People act on what they think is true, not what is true, so discuss to fix it.
- What can you take from it?
- Correct public misconceptions through open discussion to change behavior.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do opinions shape reality?
- Can facts change minds?
Another view
Discussion alone may not sway those entrenched in false beliefs.
More from Norman Angell
Every nation sincerely desires peace; and all nations pursue courses which if persisted in, must make peace impossible.
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