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Loss Of Life Quote by Steven Pinker

“One might think that Protestants, who had been persecuted so viciously for their heresies against Catholic doctrines, would take a dim view of the idea of persecuting heretics, but no. In his 65,000-word treatise On the Jews and Their Lies, Martin Luther offered the following advice on what…” quote by Steven Pinker
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““One might think that Protestants, who had been persecuted so viciously for their heresies against Catholic doctrines, would take a dim view of the idea of persecuting heretics, but no. In his 65,000-word treatise On the Jews and Their Lies, Martin Luther offered the following advice on what Christians should do with this “rejected and condemned people”: First, . . . set fire to their synagogues or schools and . . . bury and cover with dirt whatever will not burn, so that no man will ever again see a stone or cinder of them… Second, I advise that their houses also be razed and destroyed… Third, I advise that all their prayer books and Talmudic writings, in which such idolatry, lies, cursing, and blasphemy are taught, be taken from them… Fourth, I advise that their rabbis be forbidden to teach henceforth on pain of loss of life and limb… Fifth, I advise that safe-conduct on the highways be abolished completely for the Jews… Sixth, I advise that usury be prohibited to them, and that all cash and treasure of silver and gold be taken from them and put aside for safekeeping. Seventh, I recommend putting a flail, an ax, a hoe, a spade, a distaff, or a spindle into the hands of young, strong Jews and Jewesses and letting them earn their bread in the sweat of their brow, as was imposed on the children of Adam (Gen. 3[:19]). For it is not fitting that they should let us accursed Goyim toil in the sweat of our faces while they, the holy people, idle away their time behind the stove, feasting and farting, and on top of all, boasting blasphemously of their lordship over the Christians by means of our sweat. Let us emulate the common sense of other nations . . . [and] eject them forever from the country.35 At””

Steven Pinker

About This Quote

Source Treatise: On the Jews and Their Lies, Martin Luther, 1543

Luther advocated violent persecution and economic oppression of Jews, reflecting deep anti‑Jewish hatred.

In simple terms: Luther called for destroying Jewish property and restricting their rights.

Key Takeaway

Recognize historical anti‑Semitism and its dangerous rhetoric.

Themes

religion hate history

Mood

critical cautionary

Type

historical ethical

When to use this quote

  • education on religious tolerance
  • human‑rights advocacy
  • historical research
  • community dialogue

Key Concepts

anti‑Semitism theology propaganda human rights

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does historical anti‑Jewish rhetoric influence modern prejudice?
  • What responsibilities do scholars have when presenting such texts?
A Different Perspective

The quote is a hateful, extremist text and should be contextualized carefully.

4.7 out of 5 (3 ratings)

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