On the record
Scepticism, it may be, is a dissolvent of enthusiasm; but enthusiasm has always been the enemy of freedom.
Said by
Harold J. Laski
Source
gutenberg.orgHarold J. Laski: “Scepticism, it may be, is a dissolvent of enthusiasm; but enthusiasm has always been the enemy of freedom.”
Editor's note · Context
Laski posits that while scepticism can undermine enthusiasm, enthusiasm itself can be detrimental to freedom.
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More from Harold J. Laski
To deny novelty or grievance a right of expression is a certain, if, indeed, an ultimate, validation of the truth they contain.
He is able, accordingly, to indulge in the twofold luxury not only of preserving his own authority, but also of assisting the persons attacked to enter, if they so choose, the way of truth.
It has been the historic character of persecution always to degrade the persecutor and to strengthen the persecuted by drawing attention to their claims.
The essence of the persecuting position is always that the persecutor has hold of truth and that he would betray its service by allowing it to be questioned.
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