Full Idea
Metaphysics is the finding of bad reasons for what we believe upon instinct; but to find these reasons is no less an instinct.
Gist of Idea
Metaphysics is finding bad reasons for instinctive beliefs
Source
F.H. Bradley (Appearance and Reality [1893]), quoted by Robin Le Poidevin - Interview with Baggini and Stangroom p.165
Book Reference
Baggini,J/Stangroom,J: 'New British Philosophy' [Routledge 2002], p.165
A Reaction
A famous and very nice remark. The idea of believing things on instinct sounds more like David Hume than an idealist. Personally I am not so pessimistic about the enterprise. I think metaphysics is capable of changing what we believe.