# CXXXVI explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

A brief aphorism on the nature of belief and conviction, contrasting the rigid faith of fools with the evolving views of the wise.

## Key lines

> He who thinks with difficulty believes with alacrity.

Those who struggle to think for themselves are quick to accept beliefs from others.

_Highlights the inverse relationship between critical thinking and credulity._

> A fool is a natural proselyte, but he must be caught young, for his convictions, unlike those of the wise, harden with age.

A foolish person is easily converted to a belief, but only if indoctrinated early, because their convictions become more rigid over time, unlike the adaptable views of the wise.

_Contrasts the fixed beliefs of fools with the flexible wisdom of the thoughtful._

## Links

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