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About this quote

What does it mean?
Society often punishes independent thinking as a dangerous act.
In plain terms
Thinking for yourself is seen as a crime by society.
What can you take from it?
Value independent thought even when punished.

Where it applies

  • academic work
  • activism
  • personal development

Putting it to work

  • cultivate critical thinking
  • resist groupthink

Questions to consider

  • Are you thinking independently or following norms?
  • What happens when you think freely?

Another view

Some conformity is needed for social cohesion.

More from Emma Goldman

  1. The majority cares little for ideals and integrity. What it craves is display.

    Permalink to quote #88
  2. The most violent element in society is ignorance.

    Permalink to quote #90
  3. The majority cannot reason; it has no judgement. It has always placed its destiny in the hands of others; it has followed its leaders even into destruction. Th…

    Permalink to quote #87

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