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About this quote

What does it mean?
An idea is not to for the people who believe in it, meaning ideas themselves are neutral regardless of their followers.
In plain terms
Ideas aren't blamed for their believers.
What can you take from it?
Judge ideas, not their adherents.

Where it applies

  • political discourse
  • religious debate

Putting it to work

  • evaluate concepts independently
  • avoid guilt‑by‑association

Questions to consider

  • Can ideas be harmful without intent?
  • How do you separate idea from follower?

Another view

Ideas can influence behavior, creating indirect responsibility.

More from Don Marquis

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  2. Blood will tell, but often it tells too much.

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  3. A pessimist is a person who has had to listen to too many optimists.

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