The people currently in charge have forgotten the first principle of an open society, namely that we may be wrong and that there has to be free discussion. That it's possible to be opposed to the policies without being unpatriotic.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Current leaders forgot that open societies require accepting they might be wrong and allowing free, non-patriotic opposition.
- In plain terms
- Leaders forgot you can oppose policies without being disloyal.
- What can you take from it?
- Allow free discussion and opposition to keep an society open.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you handle disagreement?
- Is patriotism linked to policy support?
Another view
Some dissent can be harmful or undermine necessary unity.
More from George Soros
You know, I learned at a very early age that what kind of social system or political system prevails is very important. Not just for your well-being, but for y…
Permalink to quote #33 We are the dominant power. And that imposes on us a responsibility to be actually concerned with the well being of the world. Because we set the agenda. And th…
Permalink to quote #35 I'm not doing my philanthropic work, out of any kind of guilt, or any need to create good public relations. I'm doing it because I can afford to do it, and I b…
Permalink to quote #32
Related quotes
How is that worthy of applause? Since when do we celebrate our commander in chief for violating our most basic freedoms, and misleading the American people in …
Russ FeingoldRuss Feingold quote #8 There is one tradition in America I am proud to inherit. It is our first freedom and the truest expression of our Americanism: the ability to dissent without f…
Natalie MerchantNatalie Merchant quote #1 You need only reflect that one of the best ways to get yourself a reputation as a dangerous citizen these days is to go about repeating the very phrases which …
Charles A. BeardCharles A. Beard quote #1