Few intellectual tyrannies can be more recalcitrant than the truths that everybody knows and nearly no one can defend with any decent data (for who needs proof of anything so obvious). And few intellectual activities can be more salutary than attempts to find out whether these rocks of ages might crumble at the slightest tap of an informational hammer.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Beliefs that everyone accepts without proof are hard to change, but testing them is vital.
- In plain terms
- Common beliefs are hard to change, but checking them is important.
- What can you take from it?
- Question widely accepted 'obvious' truths.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What common facts are false?
- Why do we stop asking why?
Another view
Some common knowledge is useful heuristics.
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