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I attack ideas. I don't attack people. And some very good…

“I attack ideas. I don't attack people. And some very good people have some very bad ideas. And if you can't separate the two, you gotta get another day job. You don't want to be a judge. At least not a judge on a multi-member panel.” quote by Antonin Scalia
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“I attack ideas. I don't attack people. And some very good people have some very bad ideas. And if you can't separate the two, you gotta get another day job. You don't want to be a judge. At least not a judge on a multi-member panel.”

Antonin Scalia

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Criticize ideas, not people; if ideas are harmful, change careers; avoid judging others in a group setting.

In simple terms: Judge ideas, not people; change jobs if ideas are bad.

Key Takeaway

Separate ideas from people, consider career change if needed.

Themes

ethics judgment career ideas

Mood

thoughtful pragmatic

Type

philosophical advice

When to use this quote

  • court deliberations
  • policy debates
  • academic discourse
  • professional decisions

Key Concepts

legal philosophy critical thinking

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you challenge harmful ideas without leaving your field?
  • What safeguards prevent personal bias in group judgments?
A Different Perspective

Not all ideas are easily replaceable; career change may be impractical.

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