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The word 'heresy' not only means no longer being wrong; it practically means being clear-headed and courageous. The word 'orthodoxy' not only no longer means being right; it practically means being wrong. All this can mean one thing, and one thing only. It means that people care less for whether they are philosophically right.

Gilbert Keith Chesterton#69

PhilosophySocietyTruthBeliefCourageConformityLabels

About this quote

What does it mean?
The terms heresy and orthodoxy have shifted meanings to reflect courage versus conformity rather than truth. People now care less about philosophical correctness than social acceptance.
In plain terms
Being called a heretic now means you are brave and clear headed while orthodoxy means you are wrong.
What can you take from it?
Recognize that labels like heresy often signal courage rather than error.

Where it applies

  • intellectual debates
  • religious contexts
  • social norms

Putting it to work

  • challenge accepted norms
  • value courage over conformity
  • examine label meanings

Questions to consider

  • Does orthodoxy imply safety or stagnation?
  • Is heresy a sign of truth or rebellion?

Another view

The claim that orthodoxy means being wrong is a provocative generalization.

More from Gilbert Keith Chesterton

  1. 'My country, right or wrong' is a thing that no patriot would think of saying, except in a desperate case. It is like saying, 'My mother, drunk or sober'.

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  2. It is foolish, generally speaking, for a philosopher to set fire to another philosopher in Smithfield Market because they do not agree in their theory of the u…

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  3. The humorous look of children is perhaps the most endearing of all the bonds that hold the Cosmos together. Their top-heavy dignity is more touching than any h…

    Permalink to quote #67

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