Quote by Oliver Wendell Holmes, The Mind
To have doubted one's own first principles is the mark of a civilized man.
Summary
This quote suggests that questioning and doubting one's own beliefs and fundamental principles is a characteristic of a civilized individual. It implies that being open to reconsidering one's initial convictions is a sign of intellectual maturity and sophistication. Instead of blindly accepting ideas or being resistant to change, a civilized person engages in self-reflection and seeks to challenge and examine their own beliefs. By doing so, they demonstrate an ability to consider alternate perspectives and foster a continual process of growth and development.