At every period of history, people have believed things that were just ridiculous, and believed them so strongly that you risked ostracism or even violence by saying otherwise. If our own time were any different, that would be remarkable. As far as I can tell it isn't.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Historical norms have always been ridiculous; challenging them risks ostracism. This dynamic remains true today.
- In plain terms
- People have always believed ridiculous things and punished dissenters; nothing has changed in our time.
- What can you take from it?
- Challenging widely accepted norms often carries social risk.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What beliefs are accepted as truth today?
- Are you willing to face ostracism for a truth?
Another view
Not all beliefs are ridiculous; some consensus is useful.
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