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About this quote

What does it mean?
Humans can accept absurd ideas and act on them violently in ways we have not fully measured.
In plain terms
People will believe foolish things and act violently on them.
What can you take from it?
Be wary of how much nonsense people will accept and act on.

Where it applies

  • politics
  • media consumption
  • mob behavior

Putting it to work

  • fact check claims
  • question motives

Questions to consider

  • What nonsense have you accepted?
  • Why do people believe harmful ideas?

Another view

Not all strong action stems from nonsense.

More from Robert A. Heinlein

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