Almost all rich veins of original and striking speculation have been opened by systematic half-thinkers.
Interpretation
Original ideas often emerge from those who think critically, rather than superficially.
John Stuart Mill's quote suggests that the most valuable and innovative ideas come from individuals who engage in deep, systematic thinking rather than those who only scratch the surface. The term 'half-thinkers' refers to those who do not fully invest themselves in exploring concepts thoroughly, implying that true understanding and creativity require more effort and commitment to deep thought.
In practice
During a panel discussion on innovation, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of deep thinking in generating new ideas.
The peculiar evil of silencing the expression of an opinion is, that it is robbing the human race; posterity as well as the existing generation; those who dissent from the opinion, still more than those who hold it. If the opinion is right, they are deprived of the opportunity of exchanging error for truth: if wrong, they lose, what is almost as great a benefit, the clearer perception and livelier impression of truth, produced by its collision with error.
As for charity, it is a matter in which the immediate effect on the persons directly concerned, and the ultimate consequence to the general good, are apt to be at complete war with one another.
To think that because those who wield power in society wield in the end that of government, therefore it is of no use to attempt to influence the constitution of the government by acting on opinion, is to forget that opinion is itself one of the greatest active social forces. One person with a belief is a social power equal to ninety-nine who have only interests.
There should be perfect freedom, legal and social, to do the action and stand the consequences. It would be a great misunderstanding of this doctrine to suppose that it is one of selfish indifference, which pretends that human beings have no business with each other's conduct in life, and that they should not concern themselves about the well-doing or well-being of one another, unless their own interest is involved.
Political Economy, in truth, has never pretended to give advice to mankind with no lights but its own; though people who knew nothing but political economy (and therefore knew it ill) have taken upon themselves to advise, and could only do so by such lights as they had.
Marriage is the only actual bondage known to our law. There remain no legal slaves, except the mistress of every house.
The problem is that ego can convert anything to its own use, even spirituality.
We simply attempt to be fearful when others are greedy and to be greedy only when others are fearful.
Never make a permanent decision based on a temporary storm.. No matter how raging the billows are today, remind yourself: "This too shall pass!"
As a child, I didn't know what I didn't have. I'm thankful for the challenges early on in my life because now I have a perspective on the world and kind of know what's important.
Both formerly and now, it is only suffering that I describe, and the cessation of suffering.
Ultimate freedom is a man's right to choose his attitude.
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