Full Idea
A thinker is a dialectician only insofar as he is his own opponent.
Gist of Idea
A dialectician has to be his own opponent
Source
Ludwig Feuerbach (Towards a Critique of Hegel's Philosophy [1839], p.72)
Book Reference
Feuerbach,Ludwig: 'The Fiery Brook: Selected Writings', ed/tr. Hanfi,Zawar [Anchor 1972], p.72
A Reaction
Quite an inspirational slogan for beginners in philosophy. How many non-philosophers are willing to be their own opponent. In law courts and the House of Commons we assign the roles to separate persons. Hence rhetoric replaces reason?