New opinions are always suspected, and usually opposed, without any other reason but because they are not already common.
Interpretation
New ideas often face skepticism simply because they are different from the norm.
This quote by John Locke highlights the natural inclination of people to be wary of new opinions or ideas. It suggests that often new thoughts are met with resistance not necessarily because they lack merit or validity, but rather because they challenge the established norms and beliefs. This resistance can stifle innovation and progress, emphasizing the importance of being open-minded towards new perspectives.
In practice
In a debate about new educational methods, this quote can highlight the importance of embracing innovative approaches.
For where is the man that has incontestable evidence of the truth of all that he holds, or of the falsehood of all he condemns; or can say that he has examined to the bottom all his own, or other men's opinions? The necessity of believing without knowledge, nay often upon very slight grounds, in this fleeting state of action and blindness we are in, should make us more busy and careful to inform ourselves than constrain others.
There is frequently more to be learned from the unexpected questions of a child than the discourses of men.
Reading furnishes the mind only with materials of knowledge; it is thinking that makes what we read ours.
Our deeds disguise us. People need endless time to try on their deeds, until each knows the proper deeds for him to do. But every day, every hour, rushes by. There is no time.
I have always thought the actions of men the best interpreters of their thoughts.
One unerring mark of the love of truth is not entertaining any proposition with greater assurance than the proofs it is built upon will warrant.
I have found words [in the Bible] for my inmost thoughts, songs for my joy, utterances for my hidden griefs, and pleadings for my shame and my feebleness.
The virtues we acquire, which develop slowly within us, are the invisible links that bind each one of our existences to the others - existences which the spirit alone remembers, for Matter has no memory for spiritual things.
People who are comfortable with very clear boundaries and group definitions don't like the instability and ambiguity of people who say they are more advanced Christians, or they don't have to do what the bishop says.
A civilization is built on what is required of men, not on that which is provided for them.
I have never thought, for my part, that man's freedom consists in his being able to do whatever he wills, but that he should not, by any human power, be forced to do what is against his will.
There are more dead people than living. And their numbers are increasing. The living are getting rarer.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.