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About this quote

What does it mean?
Accepting opinions solely due to their source rather than their merit is a form of intellectual snobbery.
In plain terms
Don't believe something just because a famous person says it.
What can you take from it?
Evaluate ideas on their merit, not their source.

Where it applies

  • media consumption
  • academic study
  • everyday decisions

Putting it to work

  • questioning sources
  • developing critical thinking

Questions to consider

  • Why do you trust certain sources?
  • How do you evaluate ideas?

Another view

Some authority figures do provide valuable expertise.

More from Robert G. Ingersoll

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  3. The inspiration of the Bible depends upon the ignorance of the gentleman who reads it.

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