Forum modeled after ancient Rostra, where Cicero spoke on a public platform. Dedicated to exploring ideas, writing, and advocacy in a digital age; a rostrum not named for emperors like Caesar, freedom of expression springs today from individuals and a laptop. Views expressed here are my own and not commercial speech.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
"Who's next?"
Ellis Wyatt, Andrew Stockton, Lawrence Hammond, Dan Conway, Roger Marsh... Who's next?
from page 328: It's addressed to the public. And you have always been the first to believe that the public doesn't think. "This book may have no philosophical value whatsoever, but it has great psychological value." Just what is that?! "You see, Dr. Stadler, people don't want to think. And the deeper they get into trouble, the less they want to think. But by some sort of instinct, they feel they ought to and it makes them feel guilty. So they'll bless and follow anyone who gives them a justification for not thinking. Anyone who makes a virtue--a highly intellectual virtue--out of what they know to be their sin, their weakness, and their guilt." "And you propose to pander to that?" "That is the road to popularity." Dr. Ferris quoted in Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand (1957 Random House) Signet Classic version.
from page 328:
ReplyDeleteIt's addressed to the public. And you have always been the first to believe that the public doesn't think. "This book may have no philosophical value whatsoever, but it has great psychological value."
Just what is that?!
"You see, Dr. Stadler, people don't want to think. And the deeper they get into trouble, the less they want to think. But by some sort of instinct, they feel they ought to and it makes them feel guilty. So they'll bless and follow anyone who gives them a justification for not thinking. Anyone who makes a virtue--a highly intellectual virtue--out of what they know to be their sin, their weakness, and their guilt."
"And you propose to pander to that?"
"That is the road to popularity."
Dr. Ferris quoted in Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand (1957 Random House) Signet Classic version.