The peculiar evil of silencing the expression of an…
“The peculiar evil of silencing the expression of an opinion is, that it is robbing the human race; posterity as well as the existing generation; those who dissent from the opinion, still more than those who hold it. If the opinion is right, they are deprived of the opportunity of exchanging error for truth: if wrong, they lose, what is almost as great a benefit, the clearer perception and livelier impression of truth, produced by its collision with error.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Suppressing dissent deprives society of truth‑seeking dialogue, limiting both current understanding and future knowledge.
In simple terms: Silencing opinions blocks truth discovery.
Key Takeaway
Protect free speech and debate.
Themes
freedom of speech
truth
dialogue
progress
error correction
Mood
concerned
thoughtful
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- legislative policy
- media regulation
- academic discourse
- online platforms
- public forums
Key Concepts
epistemology
public sphere
intellectual humility
Questions to Reflect On
- What mechanisms ensure respectful dissent?
- How does error shape truth?
A Different Perspective
Opposing views may cause social unrest.