We can never be sure that the opinion we are endeavoring…
“We can never be sure that the opinion we are endeavoring to stifle is a false opinion; and if we were sure, stifling it would be an evil still.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Suppressing opinions, even if false, is morally wrong because truth emerges from free discourse.
In simple terms: Silencing opinions is evil.
Key Takeaway
Protect free expression.
Themes
freedom of speech
ethics
truth
Mood
analytical
serious
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- legal policy
- academic debate
- media regulation
Key Concepts
liberalism
public discourse
moral philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- When should speech be limited?
- How to balance truth and harm?
A Different Perspective
Some opinions may cause harm.