READER LETTER | The world needs truth warriors
Given the right conditions, the human mind can be manipulated into believing anything. Philosopher-historian Hannah Arendt said: “When you are bombarded with lies repeatedly, the purpose of the lie is not really to get you to believe the lie. It is to persuade you to doubt everything. With such people [who doubt everything and trust nothing] you can do as you please.
A recent example of a demagogue playing mind games is former US president Donald Trump. He manipulated his followers to the point they blindly believed his lies, enabling him to discredit the structures of society and mastermind an insurrection . The world watched in astonishment as the foundations of the oldest democracy were shaken.
His conspiracy theories about vaccinations were spread around the world by social networks. Mind games have found a new vehicle in social networks. Unfortunately, those who stand for the truth and hold accepted and tried-and-tested views do not always feel the need to express their views in the public domain.
This allows those who promote fake news to wield influence. They have managed to create a generation that does not believe in anything and that is thereforeto everything. The world needs a generation of truth warriors to stand up for the truth. “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing,” said Irish philosopher and statesman Edmund Burke.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
What you need to know about the hazy world of the proposed vaping taxTobacco control is a very particular game. There are good guys and bad guys, and the guys who have emerged from somewhere in between. Here’s a handy guide on where we’ve come from, and where we’re going. | Bhekisisa_MG
Read more »
ANDREW BAHLMANN: BEE, blackouts and Competition Commission trip up foreign investmentReforms and the creation of incentives for upskilling people are needed to make SA more competitive
Read more »
THE FINANCE GHOST: Riding the Twitter waveIt’s Twitter, not Spotify, that FinanceGhost loves — even if its money making model needs tweaking.
Read more »
EDITORIAL: If there’s a battle for SA’s soul, why the dawdling, Mr President?The president needs to get tough on those intent on destroying our democracy
Read more »
Cancer care gap still needs work, but progress should be celebratedCancer requires a national strategy as its sustained demands on a healthcare system need through the line interventions.
Read more »
Klopp says Liverpool signings need to hit the ground runningLiverpool's new signings need to hit the ground running because the club cannot afford to waste time and money, manager Juergen Klopp said.
Read more »