Isaiah Berlin: 'Few new truths have ever won their way against the resistance of established ideas save by being overstated.'

Few new truths have ever won their way against the resistance of established ideas save by being overstated.

The quote by Isaiah Berlin, "Few new truths have ever won their way against the resistance of established ideas save by being overstated," encapsulates the notion that in order for novel ideas to gain acceptance, they often need to be exaggerated or presented in an amplified manner. This quote highlights the reluctance of society to accept new truths, which are often met with skepticism and resistance due to the comfort and familiarity of established ideas. Berlin suggests that by exaggerating these new truths, their impact and importance can be magnified, making it more likely for them to break through the barriers of resistance.This concept of overstatement as a means of overcoming resistance can be linked to a philosophical concept known as the "paradox of the stone." This paradox, often attributed to the medieval philosopher Thomas Aquinas, questions the limits of divine power. It poses the question, "Can God create a stone so heavy that even He cannot lift it?" The paradox highlights a certain tension between God's omnipotence and the logical limits of creating an unliftable object.In the context of Berlin's quote, the paradox of the stone can serve as an illuminating contrast. Just as the overstatement of new truths can pave the way for acceptance, the paradox demonstrates that there are certain limits to what can be logically conceived or achieved. Both concepts play with the boundaries of human understanding, challenging our preconceived notions and pushing the limits of what can be accepted or allowed.By introducing the paradox of the stone to this discussion of overstated new truths, we invite readers to explore the interplay between acceptance and limitation, as well as the fine line between pushing boundaries and confronting the impractical. Both concepts highlight the complexity of embracing new ideas or challenging established beliefs.In summary, Isaiah Berlin's quote emphasizes that in order for new truths to overcome the resistance of established ideas, they often need to be exaggerated or overstated. This approach helps to accentuate their significance and break through the barriers of skepticism and reluctance. Introducing the paradox of the stone into this discussion offers a philosophical perspective on the limits of rationality and the need to balance acceptance of new truths with logical constraints. The juxtaposition of these concepts invites readers to explore the delicate balance between pushing boundaries and confronting the impractical, ultimately challenging us to reimagine our approach to embracing novel ideas.