3 ms·
I have a problem with this whole concept that you don't get to have ideas and test them, but that the ideation and words themselves make you something or means
by motohagiography 7y ago
I have a problem with this whole concept that you don't get to have ideas and test them, but that the ideation and words themselves make you something or means you are or have become something.
It's dishonest, lacks any legitimacy, and it is the root of the culture war. Words only have the consequences the reader or listener gives them, they do not have intrinsic consequences in themselves. The fantasy that mere belief is transformative or redeeming is a seductive deception.
Platforms should demonstrate they are principled before merely driving certain interests, even (especially) if they are convinced those interests are the right ones.
- chippy 7y agoInteresting idea it reminds me of a religious debate about belief and faith versus good works.
- motohagiography 7y agoKey insight. Very closely related. In the secularized instance of it we're encountering now, people could be said to be substituting demonstrations of belief for mercy, etc. I'd argue the particular choice of symbols in a religious war is really secondary and not meaningful to how predictable its progress is, sadly.