The truth seems to be that propaganda on its own cannot force its way into unwilling minds; neither can it inculcate something wholly new; nor can it keep people persuaded once they have ceased to believe. It penetrates into minds already open, and rather than instill opinion it articulates and justifies opinions already present in the minds of its recipients.
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The human race, to which so many of my readers belong, has been playing at children's games from the beginning, read more
The human race, to which so many of my readers belong, has been playing at children's games from the beginning, and will probably do it till the end, which is a nuisance for the few people who grow up. And one of the games to which it is most attached is called, ''Keep tomorrow dark,'' and which is also named (by the rustics in Shropshire, I have no doubt) ''Cheat the Prophet.'' The players listen very carefully and respectfully to all that the clever men have to say about what is to happen in the next generation. The players then wait until all the clever men are dead, and bury them nicely. Then they go and do something else. That is all. For a race of simple tastes, however, it is great fun.
To the extent that philosophical positions both confuse us and close doors to further inquiry, they are likely to be read more
To the extent that philosophical positions both confuse us and close doors to further inquiry, they are likely to be wrong...
Do not waste your time on Social Questions. What is the matter with the poor is Poverty; what is the read more
Do not waste your time on Social Questions. What is the matter with the poor is Poverty; what is the matter with the rich is Uselessness.
Man only plays when in the full meaning of the word he is a man, and he is only completely read more
Man only plays when in the full meaning of the word he is a man, and he is only completely a man when he plays.
Civilized ages inherit the human nature which was victorious in barbarous ages, and that nature is, in many respects, not read more
Civilized ages inherit the human nature which was victorious in barbarous ages, and that nature is, in many respects, not at all suited to civilized circumstances.
Sin lies only in hurting others unnecessarily. All other "sins" are invented nonsense.
Sin lies only in hurting others unnecessarily. All other "sins" are invented nonsense.
A doctrine insulates the devout not only against the realities around them but also against their own selves. The fanatical read more
A doctrine insulates the devout not only against the realities around them but also against their own selves. The fanatical believer is not conscious of his envy, malice, pettiness and dishonesty. There is a wall of words between his consciousness and his real self.
The pillars of truth and the pillars of freedom--they are the pillars of society.
The pillars of truth and the pillars of freedom--they are the pillars of society.
The best way I know to win an argument is to start by being in the right.
The best way I know to win an argument is to start by being in the right.
