“For having lived long, I have experienced many instances of being obliged, by better information or fuller consideration, to change opinions, even on important subjects, which I once thought right but found to be otherwise.”
- January 17, 1706 – April 17, 1790
- American
- Polymath, Founding Father of the United States, Inventor, Diplomat, Writer
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Quote
“For having lived long, I have experienced many instances of being obliged, by better information or fuller consideration, to change opinions, even on important subjects, which I once thought right but found to be otherwise.”
Explanation
In this thoughtful reflection, Benjamin Franklin acknowledges the evolving nature of human understanding, especially with age and experience. He admits that over a long life, he has often been compelled to revise his views, even on matters he once believed were unquestionably right. The key phrases—“better information” and “fuller consideration”—highlight that growth in wisdom often requires openness to new facts and deeper reflection.
Franklin’s humility here is a hallmark of Enlightenment thinking, which prized rational inquiry, lifelong learning, and the willingness to question even one’s own beliefs. As a scientist, diplomat, and statesman, Franklin encountered new ideas and complex challenges that demanded flexibility of thought. His admission serves as a model of intellectual honesty and maturity, showing that changing one’s mind is not a weakness, but a strength rooted in integrity.
In today’s polarized world—where changing opinions is sometimes viewed as inconsistency or weakness—Franklin’s words are a powerful reminder of the value of open-mindedness and critical reassessment. He teaches us that true wisdom is not about never being wrong, but about having the courage to revise our views when we are presented with better knowledge or deeper understanding. It is a call to value truth over pride, and learning over stubbornness.
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