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Education Quote by John Stuart Mill

“Truth gains more even by the errors of one who, with due study and preparation, thinks for himself, than by the true opinions of those who only hold them because they do not suffer themselves to think…” quote by John Stuart Mill
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“Truth gains more even by the errors of one who, with due study and preparation, thinks for himself, than by the true opinions of those who only hold them because they do not suffer themselves to think…”

John Stuart Mill

About This Quote

Source Book: On Liberty, John Stuart Mill, 1859

Independent thinking, even when mistaken, yields more insight than unexamined accepted opinions.

In simple terms: Thinking yourself is more valuable than blindly following others.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate critical thinking.

Themes

individualism critical thinking intellectual independence

Mood

thoughtful inquisitive

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • education
  • decision making
  • public discourse
  • personal growth

Key Concepts

epistemology self-reliance cognitive bias

Questions to Reflect On

  • What beliefs do you hold without questioning?
  • How can you encourage others to think independently?
A Different Perspective

Blind acceptance can hinder progress and innovation.

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