There are credentials for admission to our democratic…
![“There are credentials for admission to our democratic society [...]. You have to be educated in order to be a participant in our conversation So we are going to go right on trying to discredit you in the eyes of your children, trying to strip your fundamentalist religious community of dignity…” quote by Richard Rorty](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/3af/richard-rorty-13909_admission_there-are-credentials-for-admission-to-o_2173738.jpg)
“There are credentials for admission to our democratic society [...]. You have to be educated in order to be a participant in our conversation So we are going to go right on trying to discredit you in the eyes of your children, trying to strip your fundamentalist religious community of dignity, trying to make your views seem silly rather than discussable. We are not so inclusivist as to tolerate intolerance such as yours.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Education is presented as a gatekeeper for participation, and dissent is framed as intolerant and unworthy of dialogue.
In simple terms: Education is required to join civic conversation, and opposing views are dismissed.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the value of inclusive dialogue.
Themes
democracy
education
intolerance
dialogue
Mood
reflective
critical
serious
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- political debates
- community meetings
- online forums
- school curricula
Key Concepts
social contract
civic participation
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we foster respectful debate without silencing dissent?
- What role does education play in true democratic inclusion?
A Different Perspective
Dismissal of opposing perspectives can stifle critical thinking.