In matters of religion, it is very easy to deceive a man and very hard to undeceive him.
Pierre BayleRead
The antiquity and general acceptance of an opinion is not assurance of its truth.
Interpretation
Just because an idea is old and widely believed does not mean it is true.
This quote emphasizes the importance of skepticism and critical thinking. It suggests that the age and popularity of an opinion do not validate its truthfulness, encouraging individuals to seek evidence and reasoning rather than accept ideas solely based on tradition or majority belief.
In practice
This quote can be used in a debate about popular myths in society.
In matters of religion, it is very easy to deceive a man and very hard to undeceive him.
I went down to the river, I set down on the bank. I tried to think but couldn't, So I jumped in and sank.
I don't know whether war is an interlude during peace, or peace is an interlude during war.
In life our first job is this, to divide and distinguish things into two categories: externals I cannot control, but the choices I make with regard to them I do control. Where will I find good and bad? In me, in my choices.
The mystical life is at the centre of all that I do and all that I think and all that I write.
Another belief of mine; that everyone else my age is an adult, whereas I am merely in disguise.
The idea of redemption is always good news, even if it means sacrifice or some difficult times.
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