"One should either write ruthlessly what one believes to be the truth, or else shut u

"One should either write ruthlessly what one believes to be the truth, or else shut up." — Arthur Koestler

That's what's so great about the Paddock. The Weenies be damned.
 
Re: "One should either write ruthlessly what one believes to be the truth, or else sh

I have often regretted my written word, never my silence
 
Re: "One should either write ruthlessly what one believes to be the truth, or else sh

Well, the key phrase here is believes to be the truth.
 

Keith

Moderator
Re: "One should either write ruthlessly what one believes to be the truth, or else sh

Josef Goebels was a master at this. It didn't matter if he believed what he was saying or not or even if it was true to start with - he said it passionately and ruthlessly enough until it became the truth.

Taking the analogy one step further, I'm quite sure (no, I'm convinced) that Adolf Hitler passionately believed everything he spouted and that he was the ONLY one apart from Heydrich perhaps, who was on a spiritual mission. The others were on the coat tails.

So much for ruthlessly stating what you believe to be true...
 

Dimi Terleckyj

Lifetime Supporter
Re: "One should either write ruthlessly what one believes to be the truth, or else sh

I have often regretted my written word, never my silence

I have regretted many times my silence in the name of tact rather than speak up when some injustice was being perpetrated.

These days I speak up and to hell with whoever does not want to hear.

Dimi
 
Re: "One should either write ruthlessly what one believes to be the truth, or else sh

I have regretted many times my silence in the name of tact rather than speak up when some injustice was being perpetrated.

These days I speak up and to hell with whoever does not want to hear.

Dimi

Dimi,

Fully understand, you are right injustice should always be challenged.

I meant it more as on the rare occasions I had managed to keep quiet and allowed people to think I am a fool, rather than opening my mouth and removing all doubt.
 
Re: "One should either write ruthlessly what one believes to be the truth, or else sh

I have regretted many times my silence in the name of tact rather than speak up when some injustice was being perpetrated.

These days I speak up and to hell with whoever does not want to hear.

Dimi

+1 Dimi
 
Re: "One should either write ruthlessly what one believes to be the truth, or else sh

It may come as no surprise here, but I have never been afraid of being thought a fool Nick.

On the other hand, if anything I have ever said can be demonstrated to have been wrong, misguided etc, I am fully preparred to change my view.

It strikes me that some folk here may mean well and may truly think they are correct, but even when it is suggested that they are not, perhaps even proven, they get all aggressive, insulting and simply dig their trenches even deeper.

It is why I firmly believe that breeding and voting should not be 'rights'. The right to do either should be earned through demonstration of a basic minimum of inteligence. Not compliance, you understand, simply the capacity to consider and make rational judgments.
 
Re: "One should either write ruthlessly what one believes to be the truth, or else sh

"One should either write ruthlessly what one believes to be the truth, or else shut up." — Arthur Koestler

A fair point made at a time when the world was a completely different place in which to live and its population in general, were less educated.

Not all views that were valid then, would have the same relevance in today's world. I'm sure that there were sages in the middle ages (watch out, that rhymes) who suggested that one should defend his opinions even to the point of death, rather than allow the ideas of others to threaten his liberty.

The key word in your quotation is 'Ruthlessly'. In today's world that simply cannot apply, not if we wish to consider ourselves reasonable people that have learnt anything from our experiences. Not when we all have access to the library of all knowledge and history. Mr. Koestler may not have said such a thing if he were living in today's society, or could regularly converse with members from other cultures and beliefs, without even having to leave the comfort of his own armchair.
 

Terry Oxandale

Skinny Man
Re: "One should either write ruthlessly what one believes to be the truth, or else sh

A fair point made at a time when the world was a completely different place in which to live and its population in general, were less educated.

Not all views that were valid then, would have the same relevance in today's world. I'm sure that there were sages in the middle ages (watch out, that rhymes) who suggested that one should defend his opinions even to the point of death, rather than allow the ideas of others to threaten his liberty.

The key word in your quotation is 'Ruthlessly'. In today's world that simply cannot apply, not if we wish to consider ourselves reasonable people that have learnt anything from our experiences. Not when we all have access to the library of all knowledge and history. Mr. Koestler may not have said such a thing if he were living in today's society, or could regularly converse with members from other cultures and beliefs, without even having to leave the comfort of his own armchair.

Very nicely said!
 

Keith

Moderator
Re: "One should either write ruthlessly what one believes to be the truth, or else sh

Dimi,

Fully understand, you are right injustice should always be challenged.

I meant it more as on the rare occasions I had managed to keep quiet and allowed people to think I am a fool, rather than opening my mouth and removing all doubt.

Very glib mate, but it doesn't wash - at least with me.

I do not understand what you think you achieve, any of you, through a medium that just didn't exist even 15 years ago by postulating these theories and possibly feeling comfortable that you have found a non critical medium to express yourselves on.

I am constantly amazed with the intellect on this board, from all across the world - I wish I had 1/10th of your intellect abilities and knowledge.

But, y'all seem to spout rhetoric over and over like it's some kind of solution but never find a consensus and almost certainly an answer - not even a direction toward which we should navigate.

I just wish I'd paid more attention at school....:uneasy:
 
Re: "One should either write ruthlessly what one believes to be the truth, or else sh

But, y'all seem to spout rhetoric over and over like it's some kind of solution but never find a consensus and almost certainly an answer - not even a direction toward which we should navigate.

We've come to a point in history where two sides are so diametrically opposed that compromise isn't viable. Unless there comes a great leader that inspires all, this will not be an easy fix.
 
Re: "One should either write ruthlessly what one believes to be the truth, or else sh

We've come to a point in history where two sides are so diametrically opposed that compromise isn't viable. Unless there comes a great leader that inspires all, this will not be an easy fix.

We did not "come to a point in history." We created it. It can be reconciled. We don't need a leader to do it. I'm sorry, but your's is a very pathetic sounding view.
 
Re: "One should either write ruthlessly what one believes to be the truth, or else sh

Caution is advised speaking out against a MAN with Family in Sicily.


Z.C.
 

Pete McCluskey.

Lifetime Supporter
Re: "One should either write ruthlessly what one believes to be the truth, or else sh

It may come as no surprise here, but I have never been afraid of being thought a fool Nick.

On the other hand, if anything I have ever said can be demonstrated to have been wrong, misguided etc, I am fully preparred to change my view.

It strikes me that some folk here may mean well and may truly think they are correct, but even when it is suggested that they are not, perhaps even proven, they get all aggressive, insulting and simply dig their trenches even deeper.

It is why I firmly believe that breeding and voting should not be 'rights'. The right to do either should be earned through demonstration of a basic minimum of inteligence. Not compliance, you understand, simply the capacity to consider and make rational judgments.

I agree Mark, however if your idea was implemented there would be no politicians allowed to vote or breed.
 
Re: "One should either write ruthlessly what one believes to be the truth, or else sh

We've come to a point in history where two sides are so diametrically opposed that compromise isn't viable. Unless there comes a great leader that inspires all, this will not be an easy fix.

So if I understand you correctly Bob, you believe that we have arrived here at this point. From where? Through all the wars, local and global down through the centuries, where each side fought against the other, we learned nothing? You suggest it is the same now a sit ever was, in which case we haven't arrived anywhere, we never left.

Is that the point you're making?

Great leaders only ever emerge through manipulation of the stupid. Perhaps that is why there have been fewer great leaders of late? In general, the great majority of stupid folk aren't quite as stupid as they once were. And those that are, have it too easy to be led to the point of taking up arms.
 

Jeff Young

GT40s Supporter
Re: "One should either write ruthlessly what one believes to be the truth, or else sh

The funny thing is Lonesome Nujtob has probably never read a word of Arthur Koestler, and in many ways (at least by all appearances) he is the opposite of Koestler. Koestler was well traveled, intellectually curious about all philosophical and political movements, backed the socialist/communist Republican armies in the Spanish civil war, originally a Communist he ended up opposed to it in its Stalinist form as authoritarian and oppressive, anti-death penatly, mother treated by Frued, a friend of George Orwell's, etc.

A very interesting man who lived in very very interesting times. And certainly not one to adhere blindly ideas spouted by windbags like Limbaugh, Hannity, Beck, etc.
 

Charlie Farley

Supporter
Re: "One should either write ruthlessly what one believes to be the truth, or else sh

Good grief, i loaded this thread and the smell of open foulwater drains overwhelmed me. Is this what the Paddock has descended to ?
Keith, from what i read, you are the only sane one here. You paid just the right amount of attention at school, to side step this wall of ....
God save us.....
 
Re: "One should either write ruthlessly what one believes to be the truth, or else sh

There always needs to be a conversation between peers or such topics as found in the Paddock , that's why it exists .
I also think you should always speak , or write your mind when you feel moved to .
Even if it is out of turn or out of line .
This is how you find the boundaries , and learn where you might be wrong in your thoughts .
To be thought a fool be damned . Other than what is posted here , most people will likely never truly meet , so all knowledge of you is some what superficial any ways .
And I think the trick is to decide what to believe in , and what to have an idea about !
You see it is easy to change you idea about something , but changing your believes are quite a bit harder .
I've found it best to believe in myself , and have an idea about everything else .
This way I'm not bothered by other peoples opinions , and can change my mind when it makes sense to me too .
Oh ya , keeping in mind to only believe half of what you see , and none of what you here ( or read ) helps , and causes more research on my behalf , even if it comes from the opinion of those who would correct me .
 
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