Accepted Quote by Learned Hand
“That community is already in the process of dissolution where each man begins to eye his neighbor as a possible enemy, where non-conformity with the accepted creed, political as well as religious, is a mark of disaffection; where denunciation, without specification or backing, takes the place of evidence; where orthodoxy chokes freedom of dissent; where faith in the eventual supremacy of reason has become so timid that we dare not enter our convictions in the open lists, to win or lose.”
About This Quote
When conformity is enforced, distrust spreads, dissent is suppressed, and reason is stifled, leading to societal decay.
In simple terms: Enforced conformity breeds distrust and suppresses reason.
Encourage open dialogue and protect dissent.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- political movements
- religious reform
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies protect dissenting voices?
- What role does reason play in healthy discourse?
Suppressing dissent weakens societies.