In a democracy dissent is an act of faith. Like medicine, the test of its value is not in its taste, but in its effects.

Summary

This quote emphasizes the significance of dissent in a democratic society. It suggests that expressing dissenting opinions requires faith in the democratic system and its capacity to accommodate disagreement. It compares dissent to medicine, implying that its worth should be measured by its impact rather than how it is received by others. This implies that true value lies in the consequences of dissent, such as the potential for societal progress and improvement, rather than solely focusing on its initial reception or popularity.

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