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Heretic Quote by Roger Scruton

“To the mass of mankind, therefore, the philosopher may appear as a spiritual saboteur, a subverter of things lawfully established, and an apologist for the devil. So Spinoza appeared to his contemporaries, and for many years after his death he was regarded as the greatest heretic of the 17th…” quote by Roger Scruton
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““To the mass of mankind, therefore, the philosopher may appear as a spiritual saboteur, a subverter of things lawfully established, and an apologist for the devil. So Spinoza appeared to his contemporaries, and for many years after his death he was regarded as the greatest heretic of the 17th century.””

Roger Scruton

About This Quote

Source Book: The Philosophy of Religion by Roger Scruton, 1990

Philosophers are often seen as dangerous challengers to the status quo, portrayed as subversive and even devilish by mainstream society.

In simple terms: Philosophers challenge accepted norms.

Key Takeaway

Embrace critical thinking despite criticism.

Themes

philosophy controversy authority

Mood

skeptical intellectual

Type

philosophical controversial

When to use this quote

  • public discourse
  • academic freedom
  • censorship debates

Key Concepts

heretical perception social reaction

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do societies fear dissenting ideas?
  • How can we balance respect and critique?
A Different Perspective

Critics may oversimplify complex ideas.

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