Walter Lippmann's The Indispensable Opposition

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"The Indispensable Opposition" was written by Walter Lippmann. This text was written to emphasize the importance of freedom of opinion in society. Lippmann states that "the right to speak freely and to act in opposition is a noble ideal rather than a practical necessity." Lippmann believes that freedom of opinion among men is a basic right, but their toleration of the opinion of others is what really counts. Men will belittle other men for not agreeing with their views. Lippmann argues that people need to hear the opinion of others not just to be generous or accepting, but because hearing others' views will help men grow in their own opinions. Instead of just tolerating opinion, people should be accepting, encouraging, and interested in the opinion of men. …show more content…

If society calls for freedom, then society must call for freedom of opinion. Lippmann wants readers to understand that "because freedom of discussion improves our own opinions, the liberties of men are our own vital necessity." Lippman makes a point to compare freedom of opinion to seeing a doctor. When patients visit a doctor for a health concern, they expect the doctor's honest knowledge and critique. If the patient tried to fight the doctor for his opinion, the patient would not be doing himself any favors. It is not the end of the world to have a different opinion than someone else, and each person has the liberty to exercise their right to speech and opinion. Freedom of speech enables a search for truth and answer, and no other system gets people as close to such. One-sided conversation without feedback or debate is pointless and accomplishes nothing. "It is indispensable that there should exist the freedom

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