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About this quote

What does it mean?
People often accept religious and political beliefs without examining them.
In plain terms
Beliefs are usually taken second‑hand, unexamined.
What can you take from it?
Question and evaluate convictions critically.

Where it applies

  • voting
  • faith practice
  • debate

Putting it to work

  • education
  • public discourse

Questions to consider

  • Why do we accept beliefs without scrutiny?
  • What are the risks of unexamined convictions?

Another view

Some traditions rely on communal transmission for stability.

More from Samuel Langhorne Clemens

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