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Full Idea
To believe without evidence is a weakness which every man is concerned to avoid, and which every man wishes to avoid.
Gist of Idea
People dislike believing without evidence, and try to avoid it
Source
Thomas Reid (Essays on Intellectual Powers 2: Senses [1785], 20)
Book Ref
Reid,Thomas: 'Inquiry and Essays', ed/tr. Beanblossom /K.Lehrer [Hackett 1983], p.199
A Reaction
It seems to be very common, though, for people to believe things on incredibly flimsy evidence, if they find the belief appealing. This is close to Clifford's Principle, but not quite as dogmatic.
Related Idea
Idea 6587 It is always wrong to believe things on insufficient evidence [Clifford]