But freedom to differ is not limited to things that do not matter much. That would be a mere shadow of freedom. The test of substance is the right to differ as to things that touch the heart of the existing order.

Robert Jackson
About This Quote

Not all of our differences are important. However, some are. What is really important is that we be free to share these things with one another no matter how small they seem to be. Somewhere very important lies the right to differ as to things that touch the heart of the existing order.

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More Quotes By Robert Jackson
  1. But freedom to differ is not limited to things that do not matter much. That would be a mere shadow of freedom. The test of substance is the right to differ as to things that touch the heart of the existing order.
  2. If there is any fixed star in our constitutional constellation, it is that no official, high or petty, can prescribe what shall be orthodox in politics, nationalism, religion, or other matters of opinion, or force citizens to confess by word or act.
  3. The day that this country ceases to be free for irreligion, it will cease to be free for religion.
  4. To believe that patriotism will not flourish if patriotic ceremonies are voluntary... is to make an unflattering estimate of the appeal of our institutions to free minds.
  5. It is not the function of the government to keep the citizen from falling into error it is the function of the citizen to keep the government from falling into error.
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