"Popular opinions, on subjects not palpable to sense, are often true, but seldom or never the whole truth"
- John Stuart Mill
About this Quote
John Stuart Mill's quote suggests that popular opinions on matters that can not be experienced through the senses are frequently accurate, but seldom ever include the whole truth. This suggests that while the bulk may be right, there is still more to the story than what is typically accepted. This is likely due to the truth that individuals often form opinions based on minimal information or personal experiences, which can cause a lack of understanding of the complete scope of the problem. Mill's quote encourages us to think seriously and to look for a range of viewpoints in order to get a more comprehensive understanding of any given subject. By doing so, we can make sure that we are not only aware of the popular viewpoint, but likewise of the nuances and intricacies that may be ignored.
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