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We are so placid that the smallest tremor of objection to…

“We are so placid that the smallest tremor of objection to anything at all is taken as a full-scale revolution. Should any soul speak up in favor of the obvious, it is taken as a symptom of the influence of the left, the right, the pink, the black, the dangerous. An idea for its own sake…” quote by Cynthia Ozick
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“We are so placid that the smallest tremor of objection to anything at all is taken as a full-scale revolution. Should any soul speak up in favor of the obvious, it is taken as a symptom of the influence of the left, the right, the pink, the black, the dangerous. An idea for its own sake - especially an obvious idea - has no respectability.”

Cynthia Ozick

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Societal fear of dissent turns even minor objections into perceived revolutions, labeling dissenters as extreme.

In simple terms: Minor objections are seen as radical threats.

Key Takeaway

Encourage open dialogue and value ideas for their merit.

Themes

politics free speech conformity

Mood

critical concerned

Type

political social

When to use this quote

  • public debates
  • academic forums
  • online comment sections
  • policy discussions

Key Concepts

social dynamics media influence ideological labeling

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do we label dissent as dangerous?
  • How can societies protect genuine discourse?
A Different Perspective

Labeling dissent can suppress healthy debate.

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