Originally Posted by
Helena
Yes, that is what I meant in large part.
But, don't ideas have consequences? And there's the tricky part, separating the notion that your idea or opinion can hurt me right now, even mortally wound me ( which results in hysterics and calling for people's heads) vs seeing where this idea, notion or opinion will ultimately lead. I think it can get pretty tangly. Because if I see where your opinion has in history led, or where it might lead, aren't we right back to being nervous about certain ideas and wanting to correct them? Nip them in the bud. Punish that idea or train of thought so thoroughly so that an example is made and people will think again before voicing that idea publicly.
Am I misunderstanding that an idea can't hurt you? No, not by itself, I understand that. But where it leads. Have I completely misconstrued part of what you were saying?