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About this quote

What does it mean?
Calling independent thought heresy is a tactic used by the powerful to suppress the weak. Heresy is simply the label given to minority beliefs by those in authority.
In plain terms
Heresy is just a name for unpopular opinions.
What can you take from it?
Questioning power often gets labeled as heresy.

Where it applies

  • religious debate
  • political dissent
  • social critique

Putting it to work

  • speaking honestly
  • challenging authority
  • valuing minority views

Questions to consider

  • Who gets to define truth?
  • Is dissent always necessary?

Another view

Some argue that harmful ideas need to be labeled and contained.

More from Robert G. Ingersoll

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  2. It is claimed that God wrote a book called the Bible, and it is generally admitted that this book is somewhat difficult to understand. As long as the church ha…

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  3. I am the inferior of any man whose rights I trample under foot. Men are not superior by reason of the accidents of race or color. They are superior who have th…

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