# CLVIII explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

A brief reflection on the philosopher's deepest conviction, which he hesitates to express for fear of misleading others.

## Key lines

> The philosopher’s profoundest conviction is that which he is most reluctant to express, lest he mislead.

A philosopher's most deeply held belief is the one he is most hesitant to share, because he worries it might lead others astray.

_This aphorism underscores the tension between truth and responsibility in philosophical discourse._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters/clviii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters