“Experience has shown, and a true philosophy will always show, that a vast, perhaps the larger portion of the truth arises from the seemingly irrelevant.”
- January 19, 1809 – October 7, 1849
- American
- Novelist, poet, critic
- A pioneer of Gothic and detective novels, he wrote works such as “The Black Cat,” “The Fall of the House of Usher,” and “The Murders in the Rue Morgue.”
Quote
“Experience has shown, and a true philosophy will always show, that a vast, perhaps the larger portion of the truth arises from the seemingly irrelevant.”
Explanation
In this quote, Edgar Allan Poe emphasizes the idea that truth often emerges from places that appear to be insignificant or unimportant at first glance. He suggests that a true philosophy—one that seeks to understand the deeper workings of life and existence—will uncover the value of things that might seem irrelevant or inconsequential. Poe’s point is that the most profound insights often come from the unexpected or the overlooked—a theme that aligns with the Romantic idea of finding meaning in the mysterious or hidden aspects of life.
Poe was often interested in the complexity of the human experience, particularly how small or seemingly trivial details could have a profound impact on understanding the larger truths of existence. In his works, he frequently explored the idea that what is seen on the surface might not always reveal the full story, and that a deeper exploration of the mundane or the forgotten could lead to revelations about the nature of reality, the psyche, and human behavior. This quote reflects Poe’s belief in the power of observation and the idea that wisdom often comes from attention to the smallest, often overlooked details.
In modern terms, this quote resonates with the growing recognition of how the seemingly insignificant can have significant consequences, whether in scientific discovery, social change, or personal insight. In today’s world, where people often focus on the big picture or the obvious answers, Poe’s words remind us that subtle or overlooked factors can sometimes reveal the most important truths. Whether in psychology, literature, or art, the exploration of the smallest details can lead to a deeper understanding of the complexities of life.
