Beware of First-Hand Ideas

Beware of first-hand ideas! … First-hand ideas do not really exist. They are but the physical impressions produced by love and fear, and on this gross foundation who could erect a philosophy? Let your ideas be second-hand, and if possible tenth-hand, for then they will be far removed from that disturbing element—direct observation.

A lecturer The Machine Stops (1909) by E. M. Forster

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Context: One of society's most advanced lecturers, to tremendous applause.

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Source: Part III, "The Homeless"

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