[For people] to refuse a hearing to an opinion, because…
““[For people] to refuse a hearing to an opinion, because they are sure that it is false, is to assume that their certainty is the same thing as absolute certainty. All silencing of discussion is an assumption of infallibility.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Mistaking personal conviction for universal truth leads to suppressing dissent, which falsely presumes infallibility.
In simple terms: Confidence ≠ certainty
Silencing assumes infallibility
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- academic debates
- political forums
- media commentary
- online discussions
- courtrooms
Key Concepts
Practical Applications
- Encouraging open debate
- Designing policies that protect dissent
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence supports your certainty?
- How might silencing affect collective knowledge?