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Not only the grounds of the opinion are forgotten in the…

“Not only the grounds of the opinion are forgotten in the absence of discussion, but too often the meaning of the opinion itself... Instead of a vivid conception and a living belief, there remain only a few phrases retained by rote; or, if any part, the shell and husk only of the meaning is…” quote by John Stuart Mill
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“Not only the grounds of the opinion are forgotten in the absence of discussion, but too often the meaning of the opinion itself... Instead of a vivid conception and a living belief, there remain only a few phrases retained by rote; or, if any part, the shell and husk only of the meaning is retained, the finer essence being lost.”

John Stuart Mill

About This Quote

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

Discussion preserves both the reasons behind an opinion and its deeper meaning; without dialogue, ideas become hollow shells.

In simple terms: Talk keeps ideas alive and meaningful.

Key Takeaway

Engage in dialogue to retain depth.

Themes

communication philosophy critical thinking

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

philosophical reflective

When to use this quote

  • classroom debate
  • team meetings
  • public forums
  • online discussions

Key Concepts

meaning essence dialogue

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does dialogue deepen understanding?
  • What is lost when opinions are unexamined?
A Different Perspective

Ideas can be oversimplified if not examined.

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