The proper method for hastening the decay of error, is not, by brute force, or by regulation which is one of the classes of force, to endeavour to reduce men to intellectual uniformity; but on the contrary by teaching every man to think for himself.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Error fades when people think for themselves not when forced to agree.
- In plain terms
- Teach independent thought to fight error.
- What can you take from it?
- Foster independent thought to reduce error.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you teach thinking?
- What stops free thought?
Another view
Critical thinking requires time and resources that may be scarce.
More from William Godwin
Whenever government assumes to deliver us from the trouble of thinking for ourselves, the only consequences it produces are those of torpor and imbecility.
Permalink to quote #6 The illustrious archbishop of Cambray was of more worth than his chambermaid, and there are few of us that would hesitate to pronounce, if his palace were in f…
Permalink to quote #5 If there be such a thing as truth, it must infallibly be struck out by the collision of mind with mind.
Permalink to quote #4
Related quotes
Governmental regulations all carry coercion to some degree, and even where they don't, they habituate man to expect teaching, guidance and help outside himself…
Wilhelm von HumboldtWilhelm von Humboldt quote #3 No one can be a great thinker who does not recognise, that as a thinker it is his first duty to follow his intellect to whatever conclusions it may lead. Truth…
John Stuart MillJohn Stuart Mill quote #38 A study of the history of opinion is a necessary preliminary to the emancipation of the mind.
John Maynard KeynesJohn Maynard Keynes quote #40