Abnormal Quote by Robert H. Jackson
“We can have intellectual individualism and the rich cultural diversities that we owe to exceptional minds only at the price of occasional eccentricity and abnormal attitudes. When they are so harmless to others or to the Stateas those we deal with here, the prices is not too great. But freedom to differ is not limited to things that do not matter much. That would be a mere shadow of freedom. The test of its substance is the right to differ as to things that touch the heart of the existing order.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Supreme Court Confirmation Hearing, Robert H. Jackson, 1950
Freedom includes the right to hold dissenting,, even on fundamental issues; true liberty is measured by tolerance of disagreement.
In simple terms: Freedom means tolerating dissent on core matters.
Key Takeaway
Protect the right to disagree.
Themes
freedom
diversity
rights
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- public policy
- education
- media
- social movements
Key Concepts
Political philosophy
civil liberties
Questions to Reflect On
- What limits, if any, should be placed on dissent?
- How does dissent strengthen democracy?
A Different Perspective
Excessive dissent can destabilize social cohesion if unchecked.
