John Stuart Mill on thinking

The only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others. His own good, either physical or moral, is not a sufficient warrant.

Truth gains more even by the errors of one who, with due study and preparation, thinks for himself, than by the true opinions of those who only hold them because they do not suffer themselves to think.

Whatever crushes individuality is despotism, by whatever name it may be called, and whether it professes to be enforcing the will of God or the injunctions of men.

Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people.

Eleanor Roosevelt1884–1962

• Ideas

It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.

Aristotle384–322 BC

• Education
• Ideas

He who learns but does not think, is lost! He who thinks but does not learn is in great danger.

Confucius551–479 BC

• Education