I listen to them freely and with all the respect merited by their intelligence, their character, their knowledge, reserving always my incontestable right of criticism and censure.

Summary

This quote recognizes the importance of respectful listening, acknowledging the intelligence, character, and knowledge of others. The speaker emphasizes their willingness to listen freely, while reserving the right to criticize and censure when necessary. It suggests that while being open-minded and attentive to others, it is also important to exercise critical thinking and judgment to form independent opinions.

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