"If all mankind minus one were of one opinion, and only one person were of the contrary opinion, mankind would be no more justified in silencing that one person than he would be in silencing mankind."
Today's Question
When someone strongly opposes or criticizes a belief you hold firmly, do you listen to their voice, or do you dismiss it as unpleasant noise?
John Stuart Mill, defending minority opinions with his wife
Mill was a philosopher who feared the social tyranny of public opinion that silences minority voices through custom.
He discussed the nature of liberty and women's rights with his wife Harriet Taylor daily. He believed that listening to a single opposing voice is the key to escaping errors, defending minority views in parliament.