Comprehension Quote by John Stuart Mill
“Even if the received opinion be not only true, but the whole truth; unless it is suffered to be, and actually is, vigorously and earnestly contested, it will, by most of those who receive it, be held in the manner of a prejudice, with little comprehension or feeling of its rational grounds”
About This Quote
Source Book: On Liberty, John Stuart Mill, 1859
Ideas not rigorously examined become entrenched prejudices, lacking rational understanding.
In simple terms: Unchallenged opinions become biased beliefs.
Key Takeaway
Critically examine all claims.
Themes
philosophy
critical thinking
truth
Mood
analytical
skeptical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- policy formation
- media analysis
Key Concepts
epistemology
prejudice
rational discourse
Questions to Reflect On
- What mechanisms protect ideas from uncritical acceptance?
- How can we foster earnest contestation in polarized environments?
A Different Perspective
Even rigorous debate can be stifled by social pressure or echo chambers.
![“[For people] to refuse a hearing to an opinion, because they are sure that it is false, is to assume that their certainty is the same thing as absolute certainty. All silencing of discussion is an assumption of infallibility.” quote by John Stuart Mill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c53/john-stuart-mill-477_doubt_for-people-to-refuse-a-hearing-to-an-opi_63929.jpg)
