Sound opinions are valueless. What matters is who holds them.
Sound opinions are valueless. What matters is who holds them.” This quote is a commentary on the influence of authority and credibility in shaping the value of an opinion. A sound opinion, in this context, refers to an opinion that is well-reasoned, logical, and perhaps even factual. However, Kraus argues that the value of such an opinion is not inherent to the opinion itself, but rather, it’s dependent on who expresses it.
This suggests that the same opinion may be received differently depending on the person voicing it. For example, a well-reasoned opinion about a medical issue may be disregarded if it comes from someone without medical expertise, but the same opinion would be highly valued if expressed by a renowned doctor. This is because the credibility, reputation, and authority of the opinion-holder can greatly influence how the opinion is perceived and valued by others.
Applying this idea to today’s world, we can see it reflected in the way we consume information and form our beliefs. We often give more weight to opinions expressed by people we deem as experts, celebrities, or authority figures, even if the same ideas expressed by others might be overlooked. This can be seen in various fields, from politics to science, from business to entertainment.
In terms of personal development, this quote can serve as a reminder of the importance of building our own credibility and authority if we want our opinions to be valued by others. It can also encourage us to critically evaluate the source of the information we consume, rather than accepting it at face value based solely on the soundness of the opinion. We should consider the credibility and expertise of the person voicing the opinion, as well as our own biases that might influence how we perceive and value different opinions.