Absolute certainty Quote by John Stuart Mill
“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.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: On Liberty, 1859
Assuming certainty equals truth silences dissent and stifles progress.
In simple terms: Treating certainty as absolute is dangerous.
Key Takeaway
Question certainty, welcome debate.
Themes
philosophy
free speech
critical thinking
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- academic debates
- political discourse
- media commentary
Key Concepts
epistemology
dogmatism
dialogue
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you mistaken confidence for truth?
- How can you encourage open dialogue?
A Different Perspective
Absolute certainty is rare; humility can foster learning.
![“[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)
![“We do know, with absolute certainty, that [Saddam] is using his procurement system to acquire the equipment he needs in order to enrich uranium to build a nuclear weapon.” quote by Dick Cheney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cb4/dick-cheney-1810_absolute-certainty_we-do-know-with-absolute-certainty-that_363969.jpg)
