Opinion - Quotes

• “A public opinion poll is no substitute for thought.”   Warren Buffet

• “Too often we enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought.”  John. F. Kennedy

• “Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but not to their own facts.”  Daniel Patrick Moynihan

• “The majority have no other reason for their opinions other than that they are in fashion.”  Samuel Johnson

• “Opinion is the exercise of the human will which helps us to make a decision without information.”  John Erskine

• “It is no crime to be ignorant of economics, which is, after all, a specialized discipline and one that most people consider to be a 'dismal science.'  But it is totally irresponsible to have a loud and vociferous opinions on economic subjects while remaining in this state of ignorance.”  Murray Rothbard

• What is the general theme or message of all of these quotes?

• What is the difference between an informed and uniformed opinion?

• How can you tell when an opinion is based on facts?  On emotions? On personal experience?

• Which type of opinion is easier to argue against, an informed or uniformed opinion?  Why?

• Are opinions ever “disguised” as facts?  How?  Explain.

• What role does the media play in the formation of opinions?  Explain.

• 
  

The ability to form and articulate opinions is extremely important in all facets of life.  As citizens, people need to form opinions about political issues and leaders in order to vote responsibly.  We must form opinions about social issues, and we form opinions about the people we work and interact with on a daily basis.  However, simply having an opinion about a given topic is not enough.  In this age of information, if we want to effectively share our opinions with others, we must be educated about the topics we are discussing.  Whether writing a letter to the editor about a local issue or trying to convince your boss that you’ve developed a great business strategy or convincing your parents that you should have a specific privilege, presenting an informed, educated opinion is much more effective than sharing one based on emotion or personal experience alone.  

from 

http://www.pbs.org/now/classroom/lessonplan-07.html