A man is not called wise because he talks and talks again; but if he is peaceful, loving and fearless then he is in truth called wise.
Gautama BuddhaRead
People have a right to their own opinions, but not to their own facts. Evidence must be located, not created, and opinions not backed by evidence cannot be given much weight.
Interpretation
People can have diverse opinions, but facts must be objective and based on evidence.
This quote emphasizes the importance of differentiating between subjective opinions and objective facts. While individuals are entitled to their perspectives, valid opinions should rely on verifiable evidence rather than personal beliefs or fabrications. This highlights the necessity for critical thinking and the integrity of information in discussions.
In practice
In a debate about climate change, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of scientific evidence over personal beliefs.
A man is not called wise because he talks and talks again; but if he is peaceful, loving and fearless then he is in truth called wise.
What greater wealth is there than to own your life and to spend it on growing? Every living thing must grow. It can't stand still. It must grow or perish.
Ask yourself: if I were a Chinese spy, why wouldn't I have flown directly into Beijing? I could be living in a palace petting a phoenix by now.
I remembered something somebody had once said to me. It's okay. Everyday is freshly ground.
By positional play a master tries to prove and exploit true values, whereas by combinations he seeks to refute false values ... A combination produces an unexpected re-assessment of values.
Opinion-sharing sessions are like junk food: they fill you up with starch and leave you feeling both sated and hungry. A sustained inquiry into the truth of a matter is an almost athletic experience; it may exhaust you, but it also improves you.
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