Quotation
Last reviewed:
“Reserve your right to think, for even to think wrongly is better than not to think at all.”
Hypatia of Alexandria · Neoplatonism · Ancient · 1908
What does it mean?
The sentiment is Hubbard's, not hers.
Did Hypatia of Alexandria really say this?
The library’s label is Misattributed. Not from Hypatia. No writings of hers survive. The line comes from Elbert Hubbard's 1908 fictionalised sketch, where it is spoken by her father Theon to Hypatia: 'Reserve your right to think, for even to think wrongly is better than not to think at all,' said Theon. Later posters moved it to her.
Where it comes from
Elbert Hubbard, Little Journeys to the Homes of Great Teachers (1908)
Approximate date: 1908.
How to use it
Check old quotes on posters for an ancient source. Here there is none.
A mindset reading
A missing primary text is a red flag for any quote.
Understand the philosophy
Hubbard's book is a popular essay, not history; the dialogue is invented.
- freedom
- mind
FAQ
What does it mean?
The sentiment is Hubbard's, not hers.
Did Hypatia of Alexandria really say this?
Misattributed. Not from Hypatia. No writings of hers survive. The line comes from Elbert Hubbard's 1908 fictionalised sketch, where it is spoken by her father Theon to Hypatia: 'Reserve your right to think, for even to think wrongly is better than not to think at all,' said Theon. Later posters moved it to her.
Which work is it in?
Elbert Hubbard, Little Journeys to the Homes of Great Teachers (1908) Approximate date: 1908.