THE WAIPA POST. Printed on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. THURSDAY, 24th MAY, 1934. THE VALUE OF CONTROVERSY.

Waipa Post, Volume 48, Issue 3470, 24 May 1934, Page 4

THE WAIPA POST. Printed on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. THURSDAY, 24th MAY, 1934. THE VALUE OF CONTROVERSY.

PROGRESS in all its forms relies upon the discovery of truth and the overthrow of error. And truth emerges slowly: it mu'st be diligently sought. One of the disturbing manifestations of this unsettled period is a pronounced, tendency to dispense with the process ot exploration. Suppression of opposing opinions is being accepted as a substitute for discussion. Strength, and even patriotism, are being measured to an increasing extent by the degree to which criticism can be silenced, not by superior mental power, but through the threat and fear of violence. A dictator's frown has become far more significant than a scholar's logic. In New Zealand we have up to the present avoided the worst effects of an intolerance which in some countries has developed into an evil despotism; but we cannot flatter ourselves that we are entirely free from its influence. A readiness to safeguard fixed opinions or prejudices by forbidding the expression of opposing views has been detected. In some quarters there is a desire to put such limits upon controversy as to render it worthless. Even in this country there is a stronger appeal to the herd instinct than to the individual intelligence. Reasons are found for stifling discussions which may seem quite plausible, and may even be sincerely advanced, but which actually arise from that intolerance which is the counterpart of mental rigidity. There is less serious controversy over the wider and deeper issues with which nations and men are concerned than there-was a generation ago. The inevitable effect is a scarcity of ideas, and as ideas are the propelling spirit of action the loss cannot be lightly regarded. To the active, receptive mlind controversy is a necessary nourishment. Only to those of inflexible mentality is the serious, informed discussion of any phase of any question objectionable. No opinion is worth harbouring unless the opposite has been considered. And there is no effective way of bringing both sides into clear view other than by exhaustive debate, friendly but energetic disputation. A properly-conducted argument between individuals who have studied their subject and speak with the force and sincerity of conviction is an invigorating experience beneficial to both parties. One of its very valuable effects is to strengthen the reasoning power and clarify the thinking. There is no true satisfaction in subscribing to a doctrine or supporting a cause unless the individual is clear in his own mind why he adopts that attitude. When he comes into conflict with an opponent and engages in a stimulating clash of wits he finds the exercise extremely helpful. He may not convince his adversary, but from the encounter he emerges with a better understanding of the question and an improved status as a champion. At all times and in all countries there have been people who could not benefit from or be influenced by the most lively controversy. The types are familiar. Some men are so smugly self-satisfied that they consider it unnecessary and futile to consider the opinions of others; some are so arrogant that they will brook no opposition, and cannot argue for two minutes without losing their tempers; others are simply too lazfy to think, and take their creeds and views wrapped up and bundled out by any propagandist school. The sincere controversialist must pepare himself with inquiry, thought, and study; he aspires to be a vehicle of light and truth. Like the good conversationalist, who also is becoming rare, he wants to hear the other side, to measure its merit, and to train upon the weak points his argumentative battery. Thus, in the ultimate, fallacy is exposed and extremes are reconciled, to be fashioned into forward-moving plans. Probably no great reform in history has been applied in the. form originally proposed. It passed first through the crucible of controversy, to be cleansed of its dross t and then to be hammered into ihe ingot. of practical, wisdom:. Even dictators soon discover that

without the refining, clarifying processes of controversy they are adrift. When the Nazi regime came the German press was transformed into a megaphone for offijcail propaganda. Controversy was killed, free discussion sternly suppressed. But Dr Goebels, the Minister of Propaganda, apparently realised that this was the way to dry up ideas, without which the strongest dictatorship cannot maintain a pretence of heaven-sent inspiration. A few weeks ago he was denouncing the German journalists for cringing like lap-dogs, and demanding of them "independent, noble, well-meaning criticism." The active interplay of thought, the free expression of opinion are the essential elements of progress through enlightenment. Falsity will never be conquered if ears are open only to comfortable doctrines. Controversy is the safeguard against the pitiable and perilous position of a community mentally suffocated by readymade opinions strewn broadcast and accepted without question. Through it the intelligence affirms its supremacy over the emotions. Honest, straightforward controversy freely indulged is evidence of mental vigour and an assertion of genuine liberty. It employs the mind for its supreme purpose—to distinguish between the true and the false.