Meaning: The quote "Everyone agrees to that; but when we come to define truth, dissension starts" by Samuel Morison, a historian, reflects the complex and contentious nature of truth. The statement highlights a fundamental human experience - the universal acknowledgment of the concept of truth, yet the inevitable divergence of opinions when attempting to define it. This quote encapsulates the timeless philosophical and intellectual debate surrounding the nature of truth, and the challenges that arise when attempting to reach a consensus on its definition.

The notion that "everyone agrees to that" suggests a common understanding or acceptance of the existence of truth. It implies that most individuals recognize the concept of truth as a fundamental aspect of human experience, one that underpins our understanding of the world and our interactions with it. This initial agreement on the importance of truth serves as a starting point, a shared foundation from which discussions about truth can begin.

However, the quote then introduces the concept of dissension, or disagreement, when it comes to defining truth. This shift in tone acknowledges the complexity and difficulty inherent in reaching a consensus on the nature of truth. The divergence of opinions and perspectives when attempting to define truth reflects the multifaceted and subjective nature of this concept. It also speaks to the inherent challenges and complexities involved in grappling with philosophical questions about the nature of reality, knowledge, and belief.

Samuel Eliot Morison, the author of this quote, was an American historian known for his works on maritime history and his biographies of Christopher Columbus and John Paul Jones. While he was not primarily known as a philosopher or a scholar of epistemology, his observation about the challenges of defining truth reflects a broader human experience and intellectual endeavor that extends beyond the realm of history.

The quote can be interpreted in various contexts, ranging from philosophical debates about the nature of truth to practical discussions about the challenges of reaching consensus in public discourse and decision-making. In the realm of philosophy, the quote resonates with the longstanding debate about the nature of truth and the various theories that have been proposed to grapple with this concept.

One of the most enduring philosophical questions related to truth is the correspondence theory, which posits that truth is a matter of correspondence between a statement and the facts of the world. However, this theory has been subject to numerous critiques and challenges, leading to alternative theories of truth such as coherence theory, pragmatic theory, and deflationary theory. The existence of these competing theories and the ongoing debates among philosophers exemplify the dissension that arises when attempting to define truth.

Furthermore, the quote also has relevance in contemporary discussions about the nature of truth in the context of media, information, and public discourse. In an era characterized by the proliferation of information sources and the spread of misinformation, the question of truth has taken on added significance. The quote's acknowledgment of dissension when defining truth reflects the challenges of navigating a landscape where competing narratives and conflicting claims vie for legitimacy and authority.

In conclusion, Samuel Morison's quote "Everyone agrees to that; but when we come to define truth, dissension starts" encapsulates the timeless and universal struggle to grapple with the nature of truth. It acknowledges the fundamental recognition of truth as a concept while also highlighting the inherent challenges and disagreements that emerge when attempting to define it. Whether in the realm of philosophy, history, or contemporary discourse, the quote serves as a poignant reminder of the complexity and diversity of perspectives that characterize our understanding of truth.