That which has always been accepted by everyone, everywhere, is almost certain to be false.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Universal consensus often indicates dogma rather than truth.
- In plain terms
- If everyone agrees on something, it is likely wrong.
- What can you take from it?
- Question widely accepted beliefs.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why do we agree?
- Is consensus a safe guide?
Another view
Some truths are widely accepted for good reasons.
More from Paul Valery
Poe is the only impeccable writer. He was never mistaken.
Permalink to quote #15 God created man, and finding him not sufficiently alone, gave him a female companion so that he might feel his solitude more acutely.
Permalink to quote #17 A work is never completed except by some accident such as weariness, satisfaction, the need to deliver, or death: for, in relation to who or what is making it,…
Permalink to quote #14
Related quotes
Que sais-je?
Michel de MontaigneMichel de Montaigne quote #1 It is commonly said, and more particularly by Lord Shaftesbury, that ridicule is the best test of truth.
Philip StanhopePhilip Stanhope quote #23 De omnibus dubitandum
Rene DescartesRene Descartes quote #34