Famous Roger Bacon Quote 

"There are in fact four very significant stumblingblocks in the way
of grasping the truth, which hinder every man however learned,
and scarcely allow anyone to win a clear title to wisdom, namely,
the example of weak and unworthy authority, longstanding custom,
the feeling of the ignorant crowd, and the hiding of our own ignorance
while making a display of our apparent knowledge."

by:
Roger Bacon
(1220-1292)
Source:
Opus Majus, 1266-67
Categories:
 
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Reader comments about this quote:
Currently in the U.S. the weak and unworthy authority is Congress. They thrive on the frenzied emotion of the ignorant crowd. They ignore longstanding custom, and hide behind their own ignorance. Take the 2nd Amendment ... custom dictates people be armed to protect themselves. The emotion of a few stir Congress to create laws, like the Brady bill, that infringe on our right to keep and bear arms. Truth - Criminals are motivated by opportunity, and don't care about laws. Wisdom - I carry a concealed weapon to de-motivate any criminal who thinks I am his opportunity. Am I ignorant? Yes, but not on my 2nd Amendment rights.
 -- Joel, Rochester, MI		 
Three cheers for Joel and the 2nd Amendment - which is one thing which helps to protect us from the political idiots which keep tripping over the first three stumblingblocks - firmly and resolutely embracing the fourth stumblingblock (as do far too many bureaucrats).
 -- JDoN, West Bloomfield, MI		 
Wow, 740 years later, Ignorance still has a mighty hold on humankind. I suppose in another 740 years things will be the same.
 -- E Archer, NYC		 
And Joel nicely illustrates the fourth point with his posting and actions...
 -- Anonymous, Reston, VA US		 
Dictates from governments will never be a subtitute for wisdom
 -- Dave, Jacksonville, FL		 
Wise observations.
 -- David L. Rosenthal		 
Bacon left out an important fifth reason: the foolish hobgoblin of consistency Emerson so well described. Once most people make a decision their minds become closed to new thoughts or new evidence.
 -- Dick, Fort Worth		 
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