Freedom of expression Quote by John Stuart Mill
““The assumption that we are infallible can we justify the suppression of opinions we think false. Ages are as fallible as individuals, every age having held many opinions which subsequent ages have deemed not only false but absurd.””
About This Quote
Assuming infallibility justifies suppressing dissent; history shows ages are fallible and past opinions often become absurd.
In simple terms: Infallibility leads to oppression; history proves fallibility.
Key Takeaway
Embrace humility and protect dissenting voices.
Themes
philosophy
history
freedom of speech
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
ethical
political
When to use this quote
- education
- political debate
- media regulation
Key Concepts
fallibility
censorship
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies safeguard against intellectual arrogance?
- What mechanisms protect minority opinions?
A Different Perspective
Suppressing dissent stifles progress and truth.
![“[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)
