Quote by Oliver Wendell Holmes
But when men have realized that time has upset many fighting faiths, they may come to believe even more than they believe the very foundations of their own conduct that the ultimate good desired is better reached by free trade in ideasthat the best test of truth is the power of the thought to get itself accepted in the competition of the market, and that truth is the only ground upon which their wishes safely can be carried out.
Summary
This quote emphasizes the importance of open discourse and the exchange of ideas. It suggests that as times change and societal values evolve, people may come to realize that the most effective way to achieve the ultimate desired good is through the free trade of ideas. It argues that the power of thought lies in its ability to be accepted in the competitive marketplace of ideas, where the best ideas will naturally prevail. It also highlights the belief that truth serves as the foundation for fulfilling our wishes and ensuring their success.