Dietrich Bonhoeffer of Germany was a Lutheran pastor, theologian and anti-Nazi dissident the Nazis executed April 9, 1945, at the Flossenburg Concentration Camp.
The following quote, from his “Letters and Papers From Prison,” I would argue, should summarize every thinking American’s —whether left, center or right—attitude toward the last four years of Trump and his supporters.
“Stupidity is a more dangerous enemy of the good than malice. One may protest against evil; it can be exposed and, if need be, prevented by use of force. Evil always carries within itself the germ of its own subversion in that it leaves behind in human beings at least a sense of unease. Against stupidity we are defenseless. Neither protests nor the use of force accomplish anything here; reasons fall on deaf ears; facts that contradict one’s prejudgment simply need not be believed – in such moments the stupid person even becomes critical – and when facts are irrefutable they are just pushed aside as inconsequential, as incidental. In all this the stupid person, in contrast to the malicious one, is utterly self satisfied and, being easily irritated, becomes dangerous by going on the attack. For that reason, greater caution is called for when dealing with a stupid person than with a malicious one. Never again will we try to persuade the stupid person with reasons, for it is senseless and dangerous.”
Hempeck lives in Hendrum, Minn.
This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Forum's editorial board nor Forum ownership.
"stupid" - Google News
December 02, 2020 at 04:00AM
https://ift.tt/3lqjzzb
Letter: 'Against stupidity we are defenseless' | INFORUM - INFORUM
"stupid" - Google News
https://ift.tt/3b2JB6q
https://ift.tt/3febf3M
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Letter: 'Against stupidity we are defenseless' | INFORUM - INFORUM"
Post a Comment