Argument Quote by Marcus Tullius Cicero
“In a discussion of this kind our interest should be centered not on the weight of the authority but on the weight of the argument. Indeed the authority of those who set out to teach is often an impediment to those who wish to learn. They cease to use their own judgment and regard as gospel whatever is put forward by their chosen teacher.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: On Oratory, 45 BC
Focus on argument strength rather than speaker authority; authority can hinder learning if unexamined.
In simple terms: Judge ideas, not speakers.
Key Takeaway
Question arguments, not prestige.
Themes
critical thinking
education
authority
argumentation
Mood
inquisitive
analytical
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- classroom debate
- online forums
- mentor relationships
- policy discussions
Key Concepts
Socratic method
intellectual independence
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you separate valuable expertise from bias?
- When should you trust a source?
A Different Perspective
Authority may still be useful as context, not absolute truth.
![“Things sacred should not only be touched with the hands, but unviolated in thought. [Lat., Res sacros non modo manibus attingi, sed ne cogitatione quidem violari fas fuit.]” quote by Marcus Tullius Cicero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/deb/marcus-tullius-cicero-157_hands_things-sacred-should-not-only-be-touched_11960.jpg)
