"We accumulate our opinions at an age when our understanding is at its weakest"

Georg Christoph Lichtenberg, an 18th-century German researcher, satirist, and thinker, is understood for his sharp wit and eager observations about humanity and society. In the quote, "We accumulate our opinions at an age when our understanding is at its weakest", Lichtenberg succinctly discuss the human propensity to form viewpoints during the early, developmental years of life, when our ability to seriously analyze and understand the world is not yet fully established.

The idea here is twofold. First, throughout our youth, we naturally take in opinions, beliefs, and predispositions from our environments-- household, culture, media, and peers. This period is marked by intellectual and psychological malleability, where concepts are adopted more by direct exposure and repetition than through deep comprehension. Our understanding is "at its weakest" due to the fact that our cognitive professors-- such as critical thinking, apprehension, and abstract reasoning-- are still growing.

Second, these early-adopted viewpoints frequently persist into adulthood, influencing our worldviews and decisions. Lichtenberg implies a caution against the hazards of holding onto beliefs formed at a time when our judgment was not completely formed. He recommends that a number of our convictions sustain not through validity or rigorous assessment, but because they are entrenched in the cognitive foundation laid during our developmental years.

Lichtenberg's observation serves as a tip to re-examine our long-held beliefs and assumptions. It requires intellectual humbleness and the courage to question the origins and foundations of our opinions. Constant learning and reflection can lead to a more nuanced, educated perspective that shows a fully established understanding. By doing so, we can break devoid of the boundaries of early indoctrination and engage with the world in a more thoughtful and educated way.

Ultimately, Lichtenberg's words encourage a long-lasting commitment to intellectual development, emphasizing the value of questioning and comprehending over passive approval. By supporting important faculties throughout life, we can transcend the constraints of our more youthful selves and foster a more mindful and purposeful way of thinking.