Time makes more converts than reason.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: This quote suggests that time, rather than logical reasoning, often has a greater impact on influencing people's beliefs or opinions. It implies that people may change their views or perspectives over time, not necessarily due to logical arguments or rational persuasion, but rather due to the passage of time and the experiences or events that shape their beliefs or attitudes. It underscores the power of time in shaping our perspectives and the importance of patience and understanding when trying to influence others.
Who said the quote?
The quote “Time makes more converts than reason.” was said in the book Common Sense (Summary) by Thomas Paine. Thomas Paine: A political philosopher and writer who played a significant role in the American Revolution and the Age of Enlightenment.
How can the quote be applied in a real-life scenario?
This quote suggests that the passage of time and life experiences often lead individuals to change their beliefs and perspectives more effectively than logical arguments or persuasion. Here's how this idea can be applied in various real-life scenarios:
Personal Growth and Development: Over time, individuals may undergo personal growth and self-discovery that prompts them to reassess their beliefs, values, and priorities. Life experiences, such as travel, education, and relationships, can have a profound impact on one's perspective and lead to changes in worldview.
Social and Cultural Change: Societal attitudes and cultural norms often evolve gradually over time. This quote implies that as new generations emerge and experiences accumulate, societal shifts in beliefs and values occur naturally, sometimes without the need for forceful persuasion.
Relationships and Communication: In interpersonal relationships, trying to change someone's beliefs through argumentation can be challenging and counterproductive. The quote suggests that patience and understanding, allowing the person to grow and evolve on their own terms, may be more effective in fostering mutual understanding and respect.
Education and Learning: In education, the passage of time can lead to a deeper understanding of complex subjects. Students may revisit their earlier beliefs and perspectives as they gain more knowledge and experience in a particular field.
Crisis and Adversity: Facing personal crises or adversity can prompt individuals to reevaluate their beliefs and priorities. It often takes the experience of hardship or challenging circumstances to motivate significant personal change.
Health and Well-being: Individuals may not be receptive to health-related advice or lifestyle changes until they personally experience health issues or the consequences of unhealthy habits. In such cases, the impact of time and personal experiences can be transformative.
Political and Social Movements: Social and political movements aimed at changing societal norms and beliefs often require sustained efforts over time. The gradual accumulation of support and the demonstration of the movement's principles in action can be more persuasive than mere rhetoric.
Generational Change: As older generations pass and newer generations emerge, societal values and perspectives can shift. The quote suggests that the changing times and generational turnover naturally lead to shifts in beliefs and attitudes.
In summary, "Time makes more converts than reason" emphasizes the idea that personal growth, societal change, and shifts in beliefs often occur organically over time as individuals accumulate experiences and perspectives. While reasoned arguments and persuasion have their place, this quote reminds us that patience and the passage of time can also play a significant role in shaping beliefs and values.
Is there a historical example that illustrates the message of the quote?
Historical Example: The Abolition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade - This quote emphasizes the idea that societal change often requires the passage of time, during which attitudes and beliefs gradually evolve. A compelling historical example of this concept is the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade and, eventually, slavery itself.
The transatlantic slave trade, which spanned several centuries, involved the forced transportation of millions of African people to the Americas, where they were enslaved and subjected to horrific conditions. The institution of slavery was deeply ingrained in the economies and societies of European colonial powers and later the United States.
Efforts to abolish the transatlantic slave trade and slavery faced significant resistance and took place over many decades. While moral and ethical arguments against slavery were made by abolitionists throughout history, it took time for these ideas to gain traction and for societal attitudes to change.
Key milestones in this process included:
The Enlightenment: The Enlightenment era of the 18th century brought about new ideas about human rights, liberty, and equality. Philosophers and thinkers of the time, such as John Locke, Voltaire, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, challenged the legitimacy of slavery and laid the intellectual groundwork for abolitionism.
Abolitionist Movements: Abolitionist movements gained momentum in various parts of the world, with individuals and organizations advocating for the end of the slave trade and slavery. Prominent figures like William Wilberforce in the United Kingdom and Frederick Douglass in the United States played vital roles in these movements.
Legislative Changes: Over time, legislative changes began to reflect changing attitudes. The British Parliament passed the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act in 1807, making it illegal to engage in the transatlantic slave trade. The Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 in the UK and the Emancipation Proclamation in the United States in 1863 marked significant steps toward the abolition of slavery.
Civil Movements: Civil rights movements, such as the American Civil Rights Movement of the 20th century, continued the struggle for racial equality and challenged segregation and discrimination.
The abolition of the transatlantic slave trade and the eventual end of slavery were not accomplished overnight but required the passage of time and persistent efforts to change deeply entrenched societal norms and economic systems. The quote highlights that while reason and moral arguments played a role, it was the passage of time and the gradual evolution of societal attitudes that made the eventual abolition of slavery possible.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
