I know that most men — not only those considered clever, but even those who are very clever and capable of understanding most difficult scientific, mathematical, or philosophic, problems — can seldom discern even the simplest and most obvious truth if it be such as obliges them to admit the falsity of conclusions they have formed, perhaps with much difficulty — conclusions of which they are proud, which they have taught to others, and on which they have built their lives.


Opening to Ch 14. Translation from: What Is Art and Essays on Art (Oxford University Press, 1930, trans. Aylmer Maude) - What is Art? (1897)

Leo Tolstoy Quotes

I know that most men — not only those considered clever, but even those who are very clever and capable of understanding most difficult scientific, ...

I know that most men — not only those considered clever, but even those who are very clever and capable of understanding most difficult scientific, ...

I know that most men — not only those considered clever, but even those who are very clever and capable of understanding most difficult scientific, ...

I know that most men — not only those considered clever, but even those who are very clever and capable of understanding most difficult scientific, ...