Causes Quote by Charles Stross
“I don't think most of my opinions, political or social, are so far outside of the mainstream that they'd cause massive outrage on a scale liable to provoke death threats or referrals to prosecutors for outraging public decency, so why worry?”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Laundry Files, 2004
The author suggests that moderate views rarely trigger extreme backlash, questioning the need for self‑censorship.
In simple terms: Moderate opinions usually don't provoke violent reactions.
Don't over‑worry about moderate dissent.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- online discussion
- political blogging
- public speaking
- social media posting
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you gauge when a view is truly risky?
- What safeguards can protect constructive critique?
Even moderate statements can be misinterpreted or weaponized in polarized environments.