He knew from experience that true and obvious ideas, such as the ineffable wisdom and judgment of the Great God Om, seemed so obscure to many people that you actually had to kill them before they saw the error of their ways...

Meaning: Someone's belief may have been produced by what they want to be true, rather than by good evidence that it is true.

Meaning: A request made at a higher level leaves room to reduce it later. The saying describes flexibility in an opening demand, while its advice needs limits: an inflated request can undermine trust or ignore what the other person can reasonably offer.

Meaning: An outward container does not establish the quality of what is inside. Look for evidence about the substance rather than relying on packaging, appearance or a reassuring presentation.

Meaning: The phrase rejects a claim as implausible, suggesting that the speaker feels someone is asking too much of their belief. A strong expression of doubt still needs reasons when the actual claim matters.