Belief Quote by Jeffrey Shallit
![“What [he] is apparently objecting to is that not everyone takes his beliefs seriously. Indeed, some don't seem to respect his beliefs at all, and actually poke fun at them. Well, I have news for [him]: that's the nature of a free society. Opinions don't necessarily merit respect; they must earn…” quote by Jeffrey Shallit](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/81b/jeffrey-shallit-84814_belief_what-he-is-apparently-objecting-to-is-th_2207791.jpg)
“What [he] is apparently objecting to is that not everyone takes his beliefs seriously. Indeed, some don't seem to respect his beliefs at all, and actually poke fun at them. Well, I have news for [him]: that's the nature of a free society. Opinions don't necessarily merit respect; they must earn respect in the marketplace of ideas.”
About This Quote
Respect for ideas must be earned, not automatically granted, in a free society.
In simple terms: Ideas need earned respect, not automatic.
Key Takeaway
Earn respect through reasoned argument.
Themes
free speech
respect
ideas
society
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- politics
- education
- media
- online forums
Key Concepts
marketplace of ideas
public discourse
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you evaluate the merit of an idea?
- What responsibilities accompany free speech?
A Different Perspective
Respect can be withheld if ideas lack merit.
![“So the question becomes, If you are ever faced with this choice are you willing to die for what you believe in? For that is the only way you will deny him. [...] It's a difficult question and not one you can answer until you're faced with it. Keep in mind that many people have died for their…” quote by Christopher Paolini](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/70f/christopher-paolini-622_beliefs_so-the-question-becomes-if-you-are-ever_1381081.jpg)
![“[He] seems to want it both ways: the freedom to hold and express beliefs, and immunity from criticism for those beliefs. This is the kind of attitude that leads inexorably to totalitarianism. It is to be decried, particularly in a university environment where the search for truth necessitates that…” quote by Jeffrey Shallit](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d98/jeffrey-shallit-84814_attitude_he-seems-to-want-it-both-ways-the-freedo_3009026.jpg)
