Saturday, October 3, 2020

What a Free and Democratic Society Needs

The pursuit of knowledge and the maintenance of a free and democratic society require the cultivation and practice of the virtues of intellectual humility, openness of mind, and, above all, love of truth. These virtues will manifest themselves and be strengthened by one’s willingness to listen attentively and respectfully to intelligent people who challenge one’s beliefs and who represent causes one one disagrees with and points of view one does not share.

That’s why all of us should seek respectfully to engage with people who challenge our views. And we should oppose efforts to silence those with whom we disagree—especially on college and university campuses.


Robert P. George and Cornel West, “Truth Seeking, Democracy, and Freedom of Thought and Expression.” Cited in No Safe Spaces, edited by Dennis Prager and Mark Joseph, pg.223

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