Quote by Thomas Carlyle
We do everything by custom, even believe by it; our very axioms, let us boast of free-thinking as we may, are oftenest simply such beliefs as we have never heard questioned
Summary
This quote suggests that human behavior is heavily influenced by customs and beliefs, even when we claim to be independent thinkers. It implies that what we consider as "free-thinking" is often derived from widely accepted and unquestioned beliefs that have been ingrained in us. It highlights the tendency to adopt societal norms without critically analyzing or challenging them, showing how customs shape our beliefs and attitudes.