If there are any persons who contest a received opinion…
““If there are any persons who contest a received opinion, or who will do so if law or opinion will let them, let us thank them for it, open our minds to listen to them, and rejoice that there is some one to do for us what we otherwise ought, if we have any regard for either the certainty or the vitality of our convictions, to do with much greater labor for ourselves.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Encourages questioning established views and valuing dissent to strengthen convictions and reduce personal effort.
In simple terms: Question opinions to test and improve beliefs.
Key Takeaway
Embrace dissent, listen openly.
Themes
critical thinking
intellectual humility
conviction
self-improvement
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- policy making
- personal decision making
- team brainstorming
Key Concepts
philosophy
epistemology
social discourse
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you respond when your beliefs are challenged?
- What benefits arise from listening to opposing views?
A Different Perspective
Dissent can be ignored or suppressed, limiting growth.