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“He who knows only his own side of the case, knows little of that.”
Understanding a position requires serious contact with competing arguments; familiarity with only one side can produce confidence without real comprehension.
Source note: On Liberty, Chapter 2; Mill argues for open discussion because opposing views expose weaknesses and sharpen understanding.
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“To err is human; to forgive, divine.”
Error is treated as ordinary human limitation, while forgiveness requires an additional act of generosity.
Source note: An Essay on Criticism, Part II; Pope warns that shallow learning can produce premature confidence before deeper study tempers judgment.
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“In all you speak, let truth and candor shine.”
Pope treats candor as part of good judgment: accurate criticism should also be spoken with integrity and fairness.
Source note: An Essay on Criticism, in the section describing the moral duties of a critic.
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“Seldom, very seldom, does complete truth belong to any human disclosure.”
Voice: Narrator voice · Narrator
Austen observes that even sincere accounts can contain omission, disguise, or misunderstanding, which makes careful listening and humility important in judging what people say.
Source note: Emma, Volume III, Chapter 13, during the narrator’s reflection on Emma and Mr. Knightley’s conversation.
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“Lie not one to another.”
The short instruction makes honesty a basic requirement of life with other people.
Source note: Colossians 3:9 in the King James Version; the opening command is quoted here.
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“Before him, I may think aloud.”
The line describes the relief of a friendship in which thought can be expressed openly before it is polished for public judgment.
Source note: Emerson continues his description of sincerity between friends in the essay Friendship.