Able Quote by John Stuart Mill
![“He must be able to hear them [the counter arguments] from persons who actually believe them; who defend them in earnest, and do their very utmost for them. He must know them in their most plausible and persuasive form; he must feel the whole force of the difficulty which the true view of the…” quote by John Stuart Mill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/df8/john-stuart-mill-477_able_he-must-be-able-to-hear-them-the-counter_1955293.jpg)
“He must be able to hear them [the counter arguments] from persons who actually believe them; who defend them in earnest, and do their very utmost for them. He must know them in their most plausible and persuasive form; he must feel the whole force of the difficulty which the true view of the subject has to encounter and dispose of; else he will never really possess himself of the portion of truth which meets and removes that difficulty.”
About This Quote
Source Book: On Liberty, John Stuart Mill, 1859
Understanding opposing arguments deeply strengthens one's own position by confronting the hardest objections.
In simple terms: Know the strongest counter‑arguments to protect your truth.
Key Takeaway
Study opposing views fully.
Themes
critical thinking
truth
dialogue
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- debates
- policy making
- academic research
- personal belief formation
Key Concepts
philosophy
argumentation
intellectual honesty
Questions to Reflect On
- What argument challenges your core belief?
- How do you respond without dismissing it?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on opposition can cause paralysis or cynicism.
![“[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)
