A liberal is a man too broadminded to take his own side in a quarrel.
Attribution disputed; shown as originally published.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Goldwater defines a liberal as someone too open-minded to defend their own position.
- In plain terms
- A liberal is too broadminded to take a side.
- What can you take from it?
- Open-mindedness can sometimes prevent taking a clear stance.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is taking a side always necessary?
- Does open-mindedness weaken conviction?
Another view
The definition relies on a stereotype rather than policy positions.
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