Widespread acceptance of an idea is not proof of its validity.

Widespread acceptance of an idea is not proof if its validity. -Robert Langdon

Wide acceptance of a quote is not the proof of its validity

Just because an idea is true doesn't mean it can be proved. And just because an idea can be proved doesn't mean it's true.

The fact that an opinion has been widely held is no evidence whatever that it is not utterly absurd; indeed in view of the silliness of the majority of mankind, a widely spread belief is more likely to be foolish than sensible.

The fact that a great many people believe something is no guarantee of its truth.

No intelligent idea can gain general acceptance unless some stupidity is mixed in with it.

An idea is not responsible for the people who hold it.

The interest I have in believing in something is not a proof that the something exists.

Virtually no idea is too ridiculous to be accepted, even by very intelligent and highly educated people, if it provides a way for them to feel special and important. Some confuse that feeling with idealism.

Common belief, even universal belief, is not, in itself, evidence.

General ideas are no proof of the strength, but rather of the insufficiency of the human intellect.

It is naively assumed that the fact that the majority of people share certain ideas and feelings proves the validity of these ideas and feelings. Nothing could be further from the truth. Consensual validation as such has no bearing on reason or mental health.

The interest I have to believe a thing is no proof that such a thing exists.