I maintain that two and two would continue to make four, in spite of the whine of the amateur for three, or the cry of the critic for five.
This quote underscores the steadfast nature of objective truth, regardless of popular opinion or individual desires for alternative results. It highlights how facts remain constant, even when voice protests or skepticism arise to challenge them. The notion of insisting that 'two and two make four' serves as a metaphor for the enduring certainty of logical principles and empirical reality. The 'whine of the amateur for three' suggests that inexperienced or inattentive individuals may distort or misunderstand basic truths, perhaps out of confusion or a desire to simplify. Meanwhile, the 'cry of the critic for five' points to skeptics or critics who, perhaps out of contrariness or differing perspectives, may attempt to alter or question fundamental facts, not through evidence or reason, but by mere challenge or objection. In a broader sense, this quote can be viewed as a reminder to stand firm in facts and reasoning amid opposition. It invites us to consider that true knowledge or truth does not depend on popular sentiment or criticism but on consistency, logic, and evidence. Recognizing this can foster resilience in intellectual pursuits and daily decision-making, encouraging us to value accuracy and truth over subjective opinions. Ultimately, it speaks to the importance of maintaining clarity and confidence in what is provably correct, even when faced with noise and discord from those who might prefer a different version of reality. This steadfast stance helps preserve the integrity of understanding in a world often filled with conflicting narratives.
