Thanks for the ping, Kaslin.
Posted on 01/04/2010 5:22:55 PM PST by Kaslin
Ideas are such intangible things that it is hard to believe that they have had a huge impact on the lives of people who are not intellectuals and who, in many cases, have paid little attention to those ideas. Yet both secular and religious ideas have moved the emotions of many — and have moved leaders who moved armies.
When we look back on the Spanish Inquisition, on the Crusades of the past and the Jihads of the past and present, we see chilling examples of the effects of ideas. But the secular ideologies of the 20th century killed millions more people in Germany, Russia and China — and similarly in pursuit of higher goals, even if those ideals were used cynically by those with power, as in the past.
If there is any lesson in the history of ideas, it is that good intentions tell you nothing about the actual consequences. But intellectuals who generate ideas do not have to pay the consequences.
Academic intellectuals are shielded by the principles of academic freedom and journalists in democratic societies are shielded by the principle of freedom of the press. Seldom do those who produce or peddle dangerous, or even fatal, ideas have to pay a price, even in a loss of credibility.
Who blames Rachel Carson, an environmentalist icon, because her crusading writings against DDT led to the ban of this insecticide in countries around the world — followed by a resurgence of malaria that killed, and continues to kill, millions of people in tropical Third World countries?
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Ping
The Crusades “a chilling example?” I rather think we’re about due for a good one right now.
Thanks for the ping, Kaslin.
Yes I am ready for another “cold” one.
My pleasure. You are very welcome
Disappointing isn’t it? Surely he knows the history. Or maybe he doesn’t.
I do, and I am sure I'm not alone.
Thanks for the ping jaz.
It has always been a head shaker to me as to why those that have screwed things up the most have gotten away with it, and with accolades.
I have run across that in the Corporate World as well as seeing it happen in the Political World. People that I know in my heart should never be revered as they are, because I can see what they are doing is calamitous to either Society, or to a venture.
It’s an observation expressed well by Dr. Sowell.
I’m going to have to read his book because I want to know WHY they get away with it.
I’ve seen it in the Corporate world as well-I just don’t get it.
He can't, or he would realize that despite any warts (real or perceived) the Crusades preserved the West for Christianity.
Sowell also alludes to the black lie of the Inquisition.
Our recent history is filled with great ideas that have been a total disaster, including the “Great Society.”
Fairfax County VA recently named one of its elementary schools in honor of Rachel Carson. I’ll hold my breath waiting for Ronald W. Reagan or Thomas Sowell elementary.
“RACHEL CARSON” SAVIOR OF THE ONCE NEARLY EXTINCT MOSQUITO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
I blame Rachel Carson - her ideas killed millions. Malaria could have been wiped off the face of the earth - and all the suffering and horror it brings if it hadn’t been for Rachel Carson.
I blame Marx for his ideas too.
Rachel Carson is one of the greatest mass murderers in history, by outcome if not intent.
Just ask Sowell when did the Crusades begin?
You’ll have your answer right there. :)
Perhaps because there is more to this world than this world...
Yup; and CHOICE is right up there as well.
What do you mean?
I don’t understand how other peole let them get away with it-I guess that’s more my question. I figure the people doing the wrong thing KNOW that they are, but what about the people that don’t/won’t/can’t see it?
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