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.
When I tried this morning, after an hour or so of unhappy thinking, to dip back into my meditation, I took a new idea with me: compassion. I asked my heart if it could please infuse my soul with a more generous perspective on my mind's workings. Instead of thinking that I was a failure, could I perhaps accept that I am only a human being--and a normal one, at that?
One should be able to control and manipulate experiences with an informed and intelligent mind.
For the human mind is seldom at stay: If you do not grow better, you will most undoubtedly grow worse.
To invent out of knowledge means to produce inventions that are true. Every man should have a built-in automatic crap detector operating inside him. It also should have a manual drill and a crank handle in case the machine breaks down. If you're going to write, you have to find out what's bad for you. Part of that you learn fast, and then you learn what's good for you.
Humility, that low, sweet root, from which all heavenly virtues shoot.
Never refuse to do a kindness unless the act would work great injury to yourself, and never refuse to take a drink - under any circumstances.
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