Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Conflict vs. Unity

"The clash of opinions honestly thought out is far better than a unanimity obtained by the enforced or voluntary suppression of the reasoning faculty."


-Sir Leon Simon, The Elements of Zionism (London: Association of Young Zionists, 1934), p. 5.

1 comment:

abba's rantings said...

fuller context:

"Enthusiasm is necessary as a driving force in Zionism as in any other great cause: but enthusiasm which is not guided and controlled by thought and understanding may do more harm than good. The aim, then, of this attempt to set out the elements of Zionism is not to present a set of dogmas or articles of faith with an air of authority, but rather to encourage reflection and reasoning on the various issues which are raised. We must all agree on matters of fact, where these are precisely ascertainable (which is not always the case); but in matters of opinion all that can properly be demanded of any of us is that he uses his reason honestly and fearlessly. This will inevitably lead different persons to different conclusions; but the clash of opinions honestly thought out is far better than a unanimity obtained by the enforced or voluntary suppression of the reasoning faculty."