#opinio

When you lay down a proposition which is forthwith controverted, it is of course optional with you to take up the cudgels in its defence. If you are deeply convinced of its truth, you will perhaps be content to leave it to take care of itself; or, at all events, you will not go out of your way to push its fortunes; for you will reflect that in the long run an opinion often borrows credit from the forbearance of its patrons. In the long run, we say; it will meanwhile cost you an occasional pang to see your cherished theory turned into a football by the critics. A football is not, as such, a very respectable object, and the more numerous the players, the more ridiculous it becomes. Unless, therefore, you are very confident of your ability to rescue it from the chaos of kicks, you will best consult its interests by not mingling in the game. ↗

— Henry James

#criticism #opinion #truth #respect

When you begin to care too much about what everyone else says, your confidence shrinks and you start to feel like insignificant, little Jack in a strange land of intimidating giants. But when you come to realize that opinions are as diverse and plentiful as dried beans, you might reach the conclusion that your own is of the greatest worth. That's when your confidence grows, and soon you find yourself striding like Gandalf the wondrous wizard among common hobbits in the shire. Respecting your own opinion is the magic that transforms both you and your world. ↗

— Richelle E. Goodrich

#respecting-yourself #richelle #richelle-goodrich #respect

The essence of the independent mind lies not in what it thinks, but in how it thinks. ↗

— Christopher Hitchens

#independent-thought #opinions #skepticism #thinking #independence

When you're part of a pop phenomenon, you have so many opinions shoved down your throat. ↗

— Christina Aguilera

#many #opinions #part #phenomenon #pop

I stopped making movies because I don't like taking my clothes off. Maybe it's realism, but in my opinion, it's utter filth. ↗

— Debbie Reynolds

#clothes #filth #i #in my opinion #like

Life is not a spectator sport. If you're going to spend your whole life in the grandstand just watching what goes on, in my opinion you're wasting your life. ↗

— Jackie Robinson

#going #in my opinion #just #life #opinion

Don't Take Anything Personally. Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering. ↗

— Miguel Angel Ruiz

#anything #because #dream #immune #needless

All those who offer an opinion on any doubtful point should first clear their minds of every sentiment of dislike, friendship, anger or pity. ↗

— Sallust

#any #clear #dislike #doubtful #every

I'm cursed with empathy. I'm also by nature way too opinionated. ↗

— John Shirley

#cursed #empathy #i #nature #opinionated

I am of opinion that it is highly requisite forthwith to pass a law, prohibiting upon great penalties all trade with our enemies, and more especially the supplying of them with arms, ammunition or provisions of any kind whatsoever. ↗

— William Shirley

#ammunition #any #arms #especially #great