--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: In a discussion of this kind our interest…" description: "\"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..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ce4/marcus-tullius-cicero-157_argument_in-a-discussion-of-this-kind-our-interes_2911350.jpg" --- # In a discussion of this kind our interest should be… ![“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…” quote by Marcus Tullius Cicero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ce4/marcus-tullius-cicero-157_argument_in-a-discussion-of-this-kind-our-interes_2911350.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ce4/marcus-tullius-cicero-157_argument_in-a-discussion-of-this-kind-our-interes_2911350.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ce4/marcus-tullius-cicero-157_argument_in-a-discussion-of-this-kind-our-interes_2911350.jpg) > “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.” [Marcus Tullius Cicero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marcus-tullius-cicero/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. 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. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Argument](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/argument/) [Atheism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/atheism/) [Authority](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/authority/) [Christianity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/christianity/) [Impediments](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/impediments/) [Interest](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/interest/) [Judgment](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/judgment/) [Positive atheism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/positive-atheism/) [Teacher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/teacher/) [Weight](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/weight/) [Wish](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wish/) ## Related quotes > [What is interesting about the revolts is that they show that there is never anything purely spontaneous, and there is always some thinking and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nigel-gibson/what-is-interesting-about-the-revolts-is-that-they-show-that-there-is/) [Nigel Gibson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nigel-gibson/) > [When you meet with opposition, even if it should be from your husband or your children, endeavor to overcome it by argument and not…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bertrand-russell/when-you-meet-with-opposition-even-if-it-should-be-from-your-husband/) [Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bertrand-russell/) > [All of the guys love to take serious topics and go for it; we're not writing a whole lot of love songs. 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A voice from the Void, to cheer poor Cicero! I accept your gift, dearest Night Mother.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marcus-tullius-cicero/laughing-laughing-laughing-laughing-it-is-the-jester-a-voice-from-the/) [Marcus Tullius Cicero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marcus-tullius-cicero/) > [This is a proof of a well-trained mind, to rejoice in what is good and to grieve at the opposite.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marcus-tullius-cicero/this-is-a-proof-of-a-well-trained-mind-to-rejoice-in-what-is-good-and/) [Marcus Tullius Cicero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marcus-tullius-cicero/) > [Let art, then, imitate nature, find what she desires, and follow as she directs. 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(Nothing is more unpredictable than the mob, nothing more obscure than…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marcus-tullius-cicero/nihil-est-incertius-vulgo-nihil-obscurius-voluntate-hominum-nihil/) [Marcus Tullius Cicero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marcus-tullius-cicero/) > [The foundations of justice are that on one shall suffer wrong; then, that the public good be promoted.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marcus-tullius-cicero/the-foundations-of-justice-are-that-on-one-shall-suffer-wrong-then/) [Marcus Tullius Cicero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marcus-tullius-cicero/) > [“The life of the dead is set in the memory of the living.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marcus-tullius-cicero/the-life-of-the-dead-is-set-in-the-memory-of-the-living/) [Marcus Tullius Cicero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marcus-tullius-cicero/) > [Pardon is granted to necessity.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marcus-tullius-cicero/pardon-is-granted-to-necessity/) [Marcus Tullius Cicero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marcus-tullius-cicero/) > [Friendship embraces innumerable ends; turn where you will it is ever at your side; no barrier shuts it out; it is never untimely and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marcus-tullius-cicero/friendship-embraces-innumerable-ends-turn-where-you-will-it-is-ever/) [Marcus Tullius Cicero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marcus-tullius-cicero/) > [History is the witness of the times, the light of truth, the life of memory, the teacher of life, the messenger of antiquity.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marcus-tullius-cicero/history-is-the-witness-of-the-times-the-light-of-truth-the-life-of/) [Marcus Tullius Cicero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marcus-tullius-cicero/) > [The Jews belong to a dark and repulsive force. 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