Unless a variety of opinions are laid before us, we have no opportunity of selection, but are bound of necessity to adopt the particular view which may have been brought forward.
Interpretation
We need diverse viewpoints to make informed choices and avoid bias.
This quote by Herodotus emphasizes the importance of considering multiple perspectives before forming an opinion or making decisions. Without exposure to a variety of viewpoints, individuals are likely to default to the dominant opinion, which may not represent the best choice or understanding of a situation.
In practice
During a discussion on community policies, we should consider diverse opinions to make better choices.
The Scythians take kannabis seed, creep in under the felts, and throw it on the red-hot stones. It smolders and sends up such billows of steam-smoke that no Greek vapor bath can surpass it. The Scythians howl with joy in these vapor-baths, which serve them instead of bathing, for they never wash their bodies with water.
The man who has planned badly, if fortune is on his side, may have had a stroke of luck; but his plan was a bad one nonetheless.
Men trust their ears less than their eyes.
Great deeds are usually wrought at great risks.
The worst pain a man can have is to know much and be impotent to act.
All men's gains are the fruit of venturing.
While I'm dreaming, Wake up screaming, Cuz I can hear them suckas scheming.
We know accurately only when we know little, with knowledge doubt increases.
I keep one simple rule that I only move in one direction - I write the book straight through from beginning to end. By following time's arrow, I keep myself sane.
When you recognize this, you also realize that you are now free to give up this futile conflict, this inner state of war.
I am amazed to see how deliberately I have entangled myself step by step. To have seen my position so clearly, and yet to have acted so like a child!
We are ever free if we would only believe it, only have faith enough.
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