It might be said, that until men think for themselves the whole is prejudice, and not opinion; for that only is opinion which is the result of reason and reflection.
Thomas Paine: “It might be said, that until men think for themselves the whole is prejudice, and not opinion; for that only is opinion…”
Editor's note · Context
In "Rights of Man," this passage defines true opinion as the product of reason and reflection, contrasting it with prejudice that exists until individuals think for themselves.
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Why may we not suppose, that the great Father of all is pleased with variety of devotion; and that the greatest offence we can act, is that by which we seek to torment and render each other miserable?
In those which proceed from the former cause, the temper becomes incensed and soured; and the redress, obtained by danger, is too often sullied by revenge.
I do not believe that any two men, on what are called doctrinal points, think alike who think at all.
As to what are called national religions, we may, with as much propriety, talk of national Gods.