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About this quote

What does it mean?
It suggests that despite political freedom, American society discourages independent thought and open debate.
In plain terms
America has laws for freedom but people often think and say the same things.
What can you take from it?
Conformity can exist even in free societies.

Where it applies

  • political analysis
  • social observation
  • criticism of democracy

Putting it to work

  • encouraging dissent
  • valuing diverse opinions

Questions to consider

  • Is true freedom of mind possible in a mass society?
  • How do you encourage independent thinking?

Another view

This view may ignore the vibrant debates occurring in American public life.

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