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To shoot a man because one disagrees with his…

“To shoot a man because one disagrees with his interpretation of Darwin or Hegel is a sinister tribute to the supremacy of ideas in human affairs -- but a tribute nevertheless.” quote by George Steiner
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“To shoot a man because one disagrees with his interpretation of Darwin or Hegel is a sinister tribute to the supremacy of ideas in human affairs -- but a tribute nevertheless.”

George Steiner

About This Quote

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

Violence against dissenters is a twisted homage to intellectual dominance, yet still a form of tribute.

In simple terms: Violence is a twisted tribute to ideas.

Key Takeaway

Reject violent suppression of differing views.

Themes

philosophy ethics intellectualism

Mood

reflective critical

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • academic debate
  • public protests
  • media coverage

Key Concepts

idea supremacy political violence

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do we equate violence with reverence?
  • What non‑violent ways honor ideas?
A Different Perspective

Violence undermines constructive discourse.

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