The only way to eliminate any government choice on what art is worthwhile, what art isn't worthwhile, is to get the government totally out of the business of funding.
Antonin ScaliaRead
If I have brought any message today, it is this: Have the courage to have your wisdom regarded as stupidity. Be fools for Christ. And have the courage to suffer the contempt of the sophisticated world.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote encourages embracing one's beliefs and wisdom, even if they are seen as foolish by society.
Antonin Scalia's quote speaks to the value of courage in upholding one's convictions, particularly in the face of societal scorn or misunderstanding. It emphasizes the idea that true wisdom may often be dismissed by the 'sophisticated world,' and it calls for individuals to be bold in their beliefs, even to the point of being labeled as foolish. This courage is portrayed as a form of faith, urging people to stand firm in their principles despite external judgments.
Themes
CourageWisdomFaithSocietyJudgment
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about overcoming fear of judgment.
More from Antonin Scalia
All quotes →To allow the policy question of same-sex marriage to be considered and resolved by a select, patrician, highly unrepresentative panel of nine is to violate a principle even more fundamental than no taxation without representation: no social transformation without representation.
Antonin ScaliaRead
Until the courts put a stop to it, public debate over same-sex marriage displayed American democracy at its best. Individuals on both sides of the issue passionately, but respectfully, attempted to persuade their fellow citizens to accept their views.
Antonin ScaliaRead
Being a good person begins with being a wise person. Then, when you follow your conscience, will you be headed in the right direction.
Antonin ScaliaRead
If you're going to be a good and faithful judge, you have to resign yourself to the fact that you're not always going to like the conclusions you reach. If you like them all the time, you're probably doing something wrong.
Antonin ScaliaRead
Burning the flag is a form of expression. Speech doesn't just mean written words or oral words. It could be semaphore. And burning a flag is a symbol that expresses an idea - I hate the government, the government is unjust, whatever.
Antonin ScaliaRead
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