@lindsey @johncarlosbaez fwiw in that context I’ve always interpreted “strong” as “clear”. In the sense of “take a clear position but be prepared to change it in the face of convincing evidence/argument”, rather than having a vague, often confusingly caveated, position that’s hard for others to figure out what you mean (and thus to know what evidence/argument might be effective)

@[email protected] @[email protected] I have some history with this phrase...

It was first explained to me in the context of being a Brit working in a US company for the first time, where my new manager mentioned that I was putting forward good ideas in a tone that to Americans sounded like I didn't believe in them. His comment was that it was better to state an opinion clearly and without excessive caveats and let it stand and fall on its merits, being willing to give way if you were convinced by the feedback that it wasn't the best option.​