--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Even if the received opinion be not only…" description: "\"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, i..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/dbb/john-stuart-mill-477_comprehension_even-if-the-received-opinion-be-not-only_2886238.png" --- # Even if the received opinion be not only true, but the… ![“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” quote by John Stuart Mill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/dbb/john-stuart-mill-477_comprehension_even-if-the-received-opinion-be-not-only_2886238.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/dbb/john-stuart-mill-477_comprehension_even-if-the-received-opinion-be-not-only_2886238.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/dbb/john-stuart-mill-477_comprehension_even-if-the-received-opinion-be-not-only_2886238.png) > “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” [John Stuart Mill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-stuart-mill/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. 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? 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