Henry David Thoreau Quotes

We must continually remind students in the classroom that expression of different opinions and dissenting ideas affirms the intellectual process. We should forcefully explain that our role is not to teach them to think as we do but rather to teach them, by example, the importance of taking a stance that is rooted in rigorous engagement with the full range of ideas about a topic.

No errors of opinion can possibly be dangerous in a country where opinion is left free to grapple with them.

The word 'tolerance' once meant we all have the right to argue rationally for our deepest convictions in the public arena. Now it means those convictions are not even subject to rational debate.

I think if religion closes discussion or exchange of ideas or curiosity about other views, it's not true to its core.

To be civilized is to be potentially master of all possible ideas, and that means that one has got beyond being shocked, although one preserves one's own moral aesthetic preferences.

You can't have 'yes' people around you.

I love all men who think, even those who think otherwise than myself.

Debate and divergence of views can only enrich our history and culture.

I hope that I am generous and tolerant, but certainly on the intellectual side I think that there are discoverable truths, and some things that are closer approximations to the truth than others.

Ordinary readers, forgive my paradoxes: one must make them when one reflects; and whatever you may say, I prefer being a man with paradoxes than a man with prejudices.

Well, first of all, no professor should be able to say, I refuse to defend my position. I refuse to debate my position.

The clash of ideas is the sound of freedom.

The long run of history, the censor and the inquisitor have always lost. The only weapon against bad ideas is better ideas.

Error of opinion may be tolerated where reason is left free to combat it.

If a book be false in its facts, disprove them; if false in its reasoning, refute it. But for God's sake, let us freely hear both sides if we choose.

He who is master of all opinions can never be the bigot of any.

And I honor the man who is willing to sink Half his present repute for the freedom to think, And, when he has thought, be his cause strong or weak, Will risk t'other half for the freedom to speak.

Soundness of understanding is connected with freedom of enquiry; consequently, opinion should, as far as public security will admit, be exempted from restraint.

Just because someone or something thinks differently than you do, it doesn't mean that it's not thinking.

One's political views and/or religious beliefs should not exist in an impenetrable and inviolable bubble wherein they are protected from criticism or scrutiny.

Of all forms of diversity that should be celebrated on university campuses, none is more important than supporting, nurturing, and promoting intellectual diversity.

I invite a variety people on my show with wide-ranging opinions - sometimes even my jaw hits the floor, too - but I let them speak. Whether it's left, right, or center, I want to expose my viewers to other perspectives. Agree with them or not, the nation needs to listen.

It is perfectly acceptable in a free and liberal society to criticize, debate, mock, and reject any ideology.

Truth gains more even by the errors of one who, with due study and preparation, thinks for himself, than by the true opinions of those who only hold them because they do not suffer themselves to think.

I want to inspire people to really open up their minds and not be one-sided or biased or hypocritical.