The British media is sinking down, as the American news media has lowered the bar for all of humanity. British news media is definitely trying to stoop down to that level. Everyone is stooping to the lowest common denominator.
John OliverRead
You don't need people’s opinion on a fact. You might as well have a poll asking: ‘Which number is bigger, 15 or 5?’ or ‘Do owls exist?’ or ‘Are there hats?'
Interpretation
What this quote means
Opinions do not change objective facts, and asking for them can be absurd.
This quote emphasizes the importance of recognizing that certain truths are not open for debate. Objective facts exist independently of people's opinions, and seeking consensus on obvious truths can lead to nonsensical discussions that detract from the importance of factual understanding.
Themes
FactsOpinionTruthDebateWisdom
In practice
Example use cases
During a debate about climate change, one can quote this to emphasize that science shouldn't be swayed by public opinion.
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Southern people are bigger-hearted and kinder than I had any right to expect.
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