"We can believe what we choose. We are answerable for what we choose to believe"

The quote by John Henry Newman, "We can believe what we select. We are answerable for what we choose to think," encapsulates an extensive philosophical and ethical viewpoint on the nature of belief and accountability.

At its core, the first part of the quote, "We can believe what we pick," asserts the liberty and autonomy fundamental in one's ability to form beliefs. Beliefs are not merely passive reflections of the world however decisions shaped by personal values, experiences, and reasoning. This highlights the subjective nature of belief development, recommending that people have the power to accept or reject ideas, teachings, or understandings based on individual option.

The latter part, "We are answerable for what we choose to think," introduces an important ethical dimension to this autonomy. It suggests that with the freedom to pick beliefs comes the duty for those options. This responsibility is multi-faceted: it is individual, moral, and social. On an individual level, holding particular beliefs can form one's identity and affect one's actions. Ethically, people are often judged by their beliefs, especially when these beliefs inform actions that impact others. Socially, beliefs can have more comprehensive implications, influencing social standards and cumulative behaviors.

Newman's statement reflects the elaborate link between individual liberty and ethical duty. It motivates a reflective method to belief formation, urging people to think about the ramifications and effects of their beliefs. In a wider context, the quote calls for a balance in between receptivity and crucial assessment, recognizing that beliefs are not separated individual choices however have a ripple effect on the world around us.

In an age of info overload and varied perspectives, this quote enhances the idea that while we have the liberty to browse the vast landscape of concepts, we need to also bear in mind the weight our beliefs bring. Eventually, Newman challenges us to be both complimentary and conscientious agents in the realm of belief.