On the record
They are afraid of reason, for this involves an examination into their own prerogative and, as at least probable, a denunciation of the title by which it is preserved.
Said by
Harold J. Laski
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gutenberg.orgHarold J. Laski: “They are afraid of reason, for this involves an examination into their own prerogative and, as at least probable, a…”
Editor's note · Context
Laski discusses the fear of reason among those in power, as it threatens their authority.
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More from Harold J. Laski
Each age finds that the incidence of freedom is significant at some special point, and there, once more, the lesson of freedom has to be learned.
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.
To deny novelty or grievance a right of expression is a certain, if, indeed, an ultimate, validation of the truth they contain.
Ultimately, that denial is always made upon the same ground: it is insisted that the doctrines or practices attacked are subversive of the civil order.
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