if any opinion is compelled to silence, that opinion may…
“if any opinion is compelled to silence, that opinion may, for aught we can certainly know, be true. To deny this is to assume our own infallibility.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Argues that silencing any opinion risks suppressing truth, as we cannot know which views are correct.
In simple terms: Silencing opinions may hide truth.
Key Takeaway
Protect free expression.
Themes
freedom
truth
silence
humility
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- public debate
- media regulation
- academic discourse
- policy making
Key Concepts
philosophy
political theory
epistemology
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards balance free speech and harm?
- How can we test the truth of suppressed ideas?
A Different Perspective
Free speech can also spread harmful misinformation.