‘intellectual freedom is a deep-rooted tradition without which our characteristic western culture could only doubtfully exist. From that tradition many of our intellectuals are visibly turning away’...That’s the main reason I stopped watching Fox because their advertising is controlled by Big Pharma thus they fired Tucker who questioned vaccine effectiveness. On the other side of spectrum, I refuse to subscribe/watch YouTube because they censor RFK Jr.
The fact that Orwell had such stellar insights makes it all the more disappointing that he didn't quite see them through to their logical conclusion in his political philosophy; this qualifier on support for freedom of speech is an example. Another is his embrace of socialism, despite the huge power it entrusts to government. But, let him who has never embraced silly ideas cast the first stone, and Orwell, who died relatively young, might have seen through some of them if he had had the time to do so.
Agree on socialism, but not sure about his qualifier regarding freedom of expression since he qualifies his own qualifier of harm with ‘in some quite unmistakable way’. Which if you were able to ask him, he might refer to standard limitations like incitement to violence.
Even "incitement to violence" is grey. We can all think of clearly defined examples yet the idea has been weaponized against differences in opinions as, for example, that view incites violence against marginalized communities.
You're a beacon of light in the darkness and I am encouraged by your honest pragmatic courage. Thank you for the inspiration!
I appreciate the generous note.
‘intellectual freedom is a deep-rooted tradition without which our characteristic western culture could only doubtfully exist. From that tradition many of our intellectuals are visibly turning away’...That’s the main reason I stopped watching Fox because their advertising is controlled by Big Pharma thus they fired Tucker who questioned vaccine effectiveness. On the other side of spectrum, I refuse to subscribe/watch YouTube because they censor RFK Jr.
Mike, How sad it is that so few seem to understand the importance of intellectual freedom and choose to forfeit it.
The fact that Orwell had such stellar insights makes it all the more disappointing that he didn't quite see them through to their logical conclusion in his political philosophy; this qualifier on support for freedom of speech is an example. Another is his embrace of socialism, despite the huge power it entrusts to government. But, let him who has never embraced silly ideas cast the first stone, and Orwell, who died relatively young, might have seen through some of them if he had had the time to do so.
Thanks for another thought-provoking essay.
Agree on socialism, but not sure about his qualifier regarding freedom of expression since he qualifies his own qualifier of harm with ‘in some quite unmistakable way’. Which if you were able to ask him, he might refer to standard limitations like incitement to violence.
Even "incitement to violence" is grey. We can all think of clearly defined examples yet the idea has been weaponized against differences in opinions as, for example, that view incites violence against marginalized communities.