"A doctrine serves no purpose in itself, but it is indispensable to have one if only to avoid being deceived by false doctrines"
- Simone Weil
About this Quote
This quote by Simone Weil speaks with the significance of having a teaching, or set of beliefs, in order to avoid being misled by incorrect teachings. Weil is suggesting that having a doctrine is not an end in itself, however rather a way to an end. It is a tool to help us distinguish between true and false beliefs. Weil is stressing the significance of having a teaching in order to secure ourselves from being tricked by false teachings. She is recommending that without a teaching, we are vulnerable to being misled and manipulated by incorrect beliefs. Weil is emphasizing the value of having a doctrine in order to secure ourselves from being deceived by incorrect doctrines. She is suggesting that without a teaching, we are susceptible to being misinformed and controlled by incorrect beliefs. Having a doctrine is not just a method to safeguard ourselves from being tricked, but also a method to assist us make sense of the world around us. By having a teaching, we can better comprehend our place worldwide and make decisions based upon our beliefs. Eventually, Weil is recommending that having a doctrine is an essential tool to assist us make sense of the world and safeguard ourselves from being tricked.
About the Author