Get Started
Home Authors Tags

"الحمقى لديهم عادة تصديق أن كل ما يكتبه مؤلف مشهور يستحق الإعجاب."

Voltaire
Voltaire Philosopher
Translations
🇺🇸 English 🇨🇳 中文 🇪🇸 Español 🇪🇬 العربية 🇫🇷 Français 🇮🇷 فارسی 🇯🇵 日本語
Quote meaning
Sometimes we get caught up in the idea that everything a famous person says or writes is gold. But that's not always the case. Just because someone is well-known doesn't mean every single thing they produce is perfect or even good.

This idea is kind of like when you think back to high school and remember how everyone was obsessed with the popular kids. They could say the sky was green, and some people would believe them just because they were popular. It's the same with famous authors. Their fame can make us assume that everything they write is brilliant. But really, we should be more critical and think for ourselves.

Take Ernest Hemingway, for example. He's one of the most renowned writers of the 20th century, known for his works like "The Old Man and the Sea" and "A Farewell to Arms." But not everything he wrote was a masterpiece. Some of his short stories and lesser-known works don't have the same impact. If we believe that all of Hemingway's writings are fantastic just because of his name, we're not giving ourselves the chance to form our own opinions.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? It's simple: don’t take things at face value. Just because someone has a big name or a lot of followers doesn’t mean everything they say or create is amazing. Be a critical thinker. Engage with the material, question it, and form your own opinions.

Imagine this scenario: you’re in a book club, and the group decides to read a novel by a famous author. Everyone’s raving about it, but as you start reading, you realize you’re not enjoying it. It's okay to trust your own judgment and say, “Hey, this one isn't for me,” even if everyone else loves it.

Or think about social media influencers. They might have millions of followers, and people hang on their every word. But just because they’re famous doesn’t mean their advice on everything—from skincare to relationships—is spot on. You need to filter their advice through your own experiences and knowledge.

Here’s a tip: the next time you come across a piece of work from a famous person, take a step back. Ask yourself, “Do I genuinely like this? Does it make sense to me?” It's like when you taste a new food. Just because it's a fancy dish at a five-star restaurant doesn’t mean you have to like it. Your taste buds—and in this case, your opinions—are unique to you.

In essence, don’t be a fool who blindly believes everything written by a famous author is top-notch. Use your own judgment. Challenge yourself to think critically. And remember, even the most renowned figures have their off days. So keep an open mind, but also a discerning eye.
Related tags
Admiration Authorship Belief Credibility Critical thinking Fools Judgment Literature Wisdom
MORE QUOTES BY Voltaire
FEATURED QUOTES
Surprise me with another quote
Instagram Icon Facebook Icon X Icon Threads Icon