The rule is perfect: in all matters of opinion our adversaries are insane.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker claims that in any opinion dispute, the opponent is inevitably insane, reflecting a biased, absolutist view.
- In plain terms
- All opposing opinions are insane.
- What can you take from it?
- Beware of dismissing dissent as irrational.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why is it tempting to label opponents as irrational?
- How can we engage with opposing views?
Another view
It is a self‑defeating paradox that undermines constructive dialogue.
More from Samuel Langhorne Clemens
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