Controversy Quotes

A civilization in which there is not a continuous controversy about important issues is on the way to totalitarianism and death.

Controversy, though always an evil in itself, is sometimes a necessary evil.

... the hydrostatic paradox of controversy. Don't you know what that means? Well, I will tell you. You know that, if you had a bent tube, one arm of which was of the size of a pipe-stem, and the other big enough to hold the ocean, water would stand at the same height in one as in the other. Controversy equalizes fools and wise men in the same way. And the fools know it.

Moral cowardice that keeps us from speaking our minds is as dangerous to this country as irresponsible talk. The right way is not always the popular and easy way. Standing for right when it is unpopular is a true test of moral character.

I think there's a controversy being invented for the sake of controversy, ... I think when people see the first few episodes, they'll realize it's not that big a deal.

All great ideas are controversial, or have been at one time.

When people generally are aware of a problem, it can be said to have entered the public consciousness. When people get on their hind legs and holler, the problem has not only entered the public consciousness -- it has also become a part of the public conscience. At that point, things in our democracy begin to hum.

When a thing ceases to be a subject of controversy, it ceases to be a subject of interest.

I am continually fascinated at the difficulty intelligent people have in distinguishing what is controversial from what is merely offensive.

The dust of controversy is merely the falsehood flying off.

He who is not open to conviction is not qualified for discussion.

The hydrostatic paradox of controversy. Don't you know what that means? Well, I will tell you. You know that, if you had a bent tube, one arm of which was of the size of a pipe-stem, and the other big enough to hold the ocean, water would stand at the same height in one as in the other. Controversy equalizes fools and wise men in the same way. And the fools know it.

God asked Joan of Arc to drive the imperialist English out of France, Gandhi to drive them out of India, Ben Franklin to drive them out of the US, and is sending exorcists and boycotters to drive them out of the banking, pharmaceutical and oil industries.

Some have suggested that in conflict resolution each be required to state the other's point of view to the latter's satisfaction. Others have said that A should ask his guardian angel to contact B's guardian angels. Still others suggest proper semantics for communication, such as I think that, I feel that rather than the implication that ones thoughts are fact. Conflict resolution is an art and a science. Jesus has said to pray for foes. Krishna has said that those without enemies are dearest to God.

When a subject is highly controversial... one cannot hope to tell the truth. One can only show how one came to hold whatever opinion one does hold. One can only give one's audience the chance of drawing their own conclusions as they observe the limitations, the prejudices, the idiosyncrasies of the speaker.

The most savage controversies are about matters as to which there is no good evidence either way

I believe in getting into hot water; it keeps you clean

Fierceness makes error a fault and truth discourtesy.

However some may affect to dislike controversy, it can never be of ultimate disadvantage to the interests of truth or the happiness of mankind.

The precipitancy of disputation, and the stir and noise of passions that usually attend it, must needs be prejudicial to verity.