--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Is there any point in public debate in a…" description: "\"Is there any point in public debate in a society where hardly anyone has been taught how to think, while millions have been taught what to think?\" — Pe..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b25/peter-hitchens-4419_debate_is-there-any-point-in-public-debate-in-a_2255840.png" --- # Is there any point in public debate in a society where… ![“Is there any point in public debate in a society where hardly anyone has been taught how to think, while millions have been taught what to think?” quote by Peter Hitchens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b25/peter-hitchens-4419_debate_is-there-any-point-in-public-debate-in-a_2255840.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b25/peter-hitchens-4419_debate_is-there-any-point-in-public-debate-in-a_2255840.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b25/peter-hitchens-4419_debate_is-there-any-point-in-public-debate-in-a_2255840.png) > “Is there any point in public debate in a society where hardly anyone has been taught how to think, while millions have been taught what to think?” [Peter Hitchens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peter-hitchens/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Debate is futile when participants lack critical thinking skills and are merely repeating taught doctrines. **In simple terms:** Debate fails without thinking. Key Takeaway Cultivate independent thought before arguing. Themes education critical thinking public discourse Mood thoughtful skeptical Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - political forums - classroom discussions - online comment sections Key Concepts cognitive bias media influence Questions to Reflect On - How can we teach thinking skills? - What role does debate play in society? A Different Perspective Debate can still spark change if guided. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Debate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/debate/) [Thinking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thinking/) ## Related quotes > [But we have yet to make peace basic to our education. The most important subject in the world is hardly taught at all. 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