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The assumption that we are infallible can we justify the…

“The assumption that we are infallible can we justify the suppression of opinions we think false. Ages are as fallible as individuals, every age having held many opinions which subsequent ages have deemed not only false but absurd.” quote by John Stuart Mill
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““The assumption that we are infallible can we justify the suppression of opinions we think false. Ages are as fallible as individuals, every age having held many opinions which subsequent ages have deemed not only false but absurd.””

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.

Assuming infallibility justifies suppressing dissent; history shows ages are fallible and past opinions often become absurd.

In simple terms: Infallibility leads to oppression; history proves fallibility.

Key Takeaway

Embrace humility and protect dissenting voices.

Themes

philosophy history freedom of speech

Mood

reflective serious

Type

ethical political

When to use this quote

  • education
  • political debate
  • media regulation

Key Concepts

fallibility censorship

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can societies safeguard against intellectual arrogance?
  • What mechanisms protect minority opinions?
A Different Perspective

Suppressing dissent stifles progress and truth.

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