Freedom to differ is not limited to things that do not matter mush. That would be a mere shadow of freedom. The test of its substance is the right to differ as to things that touch the heart of the existing order.

The quote "Freedom to differ is not limited to things that do not matter much. That would be a mere shadow of freedom. The test of its substance is the right to differ as to things that touch the heart of the existing order" by Robert Jackson speaks to the depth and significance of true freedom. Jackson, an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, argues that genuine freedom goes beyond trivial matters or issues that don’t affect the status quo. The true measure of freedom lies in the right to challenge and disagree with the most fundamental aspects of society, particularly those that shape the existing order.

The origin of this quote comes from Jackson’s judicial philosophy, which emphasized the importance of protecting individual rights and freedoms, particularly the right to dissent against prevailing systems and ideas. He believed that freedom should allow individuals to question and resist societal norms, laws, and structures, especially when those elements are unjust or oppressive. Jackson saw the ability to challenge the existing order as a crucial aspect of a democratic society.

For Jackson, freedom is not meaningful if it only applies to insignificant matters or personal preferences. True freedom is tested by how society allows individuals to differ on matters of profound importance—issues that influence the very framework and governance of society. Jackson believed that protecting the right to differ on fundamental issues, even if those differences challenge the power structures of the time, is essential for maintaining a just and free society.

Ultimately, this quote highlights the idea that freedom is about more than just the right to hold opinions on inconsequential matters; it is about the ability to challenge the systems that govern society. Robert Jackson argues that the essence of freedom is found in the ability to dissent on matters of great importance, and that this right to differ is vital for the preservation of true democratic principles.