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Thread: Are Words More Dangerous Than Arms?

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    Are Words More Dangerous Than Arms?

    Westerners, Americans especially, take their freedom of speech and press for granted. But freedom of speech and press, the kind we enjoy in modern western countries, is historically abnormal. Throughout 99% of the history of civilization, virtually every state has imposed restrictions, often harsh ones, on freedom of speech and press. And the rationale given for such restrictions was always the same: Security.

    Such rationalizations seem absurd from the perspective of modern westerners, yet past ruling classes had a good reason to worry. Words have been the inspiration for pretty much every revolution and civil war in history. Words have toppled empires.

    Just a couple of examples:

    The writings of Martin Luther in the 1500's inspired a massive peasant revolt in Germany which resulted in the deaths of somewhere around 100,000 people. His writings also gave rise to the larger Protestant Reformation, which resulted in countless wars across Europe.

    Inspired by a Bible given to him by a Christian missionary, Hong Xiuquan started a rebellion against the Qing Dynasty (known as the Taiping Rebellion). Estimates put the death toll at somewhere around 20 million.

    I only used these two examples because they were at the forefront of my mind. There are literally hundreds if not thousands of other examples of words being used to inspire massive violence, which is why virtually all states throughout history have sought to restrict and control words.
    Power always thinks it has a great soul, and vast views, beyond the comprehension of the weak. And that it is doing God service when it is violating all His laws.
    --John Adams

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    I know this was not intended as a historical discussion but you know me...

    Martin Luther was taken aback by the social revolution he helped inspire. Even more so were his princely supporters. That's not quite what they had in mind.
    Whoever criticizes capitalism, while approving immigration, whose working class is its first victim, had better shut up. Whoever criticizes immigration, while remaining silent about capitalism, should do the same.


    ~Alain de Benoist


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    Quote Originally Posted by Mister D View Post
    I know this was not intended as a historical discussion but you know me...

    Martin Luther was taken aback by the social revolution he helped inspire. Even more so were his princely supporters. That's not quite what they had in mind.
    No, by all means: History away.

    Past is prologue.
    Power always thinks it has a great soul, and vast views, beyond the comprehension of the weak. And that it is doing God service when it is violating all His laws.
    --John Adams

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    Ben Wiker brought up an interesting point on EWTN one night. One important reason Luther failed to act earlier to curb the effect his preaching had was because he genuinely believed the end was near and that Pope Leo X was the Anti-Christ. What was a little temporary instability?
    Whoever criticizes capitalism, while approving immigration, whose working class is its first victim, had better shut up. Whoever criticizes immigration, while remaining silent about capitalism, should do the same.


    ~Alain de Benoist


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    History does not long Entrust the care of Freedom, to the Weak or Timid!!!!! Dwight D. Eisenhower ~

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    The state wants to ban or severely limit both arms and words. Disarming the public is step one.

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    I have killed people with ball point pens.
    I am tired of everyone fighting with each other. This is all by design.

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