“The modern susceptibility to conformity and obedience to authority indicates that the truth endorsed by authority is likely to be accepted as such by a majority of the people.”

Yet another reason the Founders did not establish a democracy but a representative republic founded upon the principles of the Rights of Man. Freedom from the rule of Church and State is the very essence of American Liberty.

Especially so when shown in technicolor.

Amen, brother Archer.

In the south traditionally we have not been susceptible to "modern" conformity. Our conformity has always been backward looking for don't you know "old times there are not forgotten". You can be a conformist by keeping to the old ways or going along with new (modern) ways. Never forget we are always living on the edge of time or the future. The Founders thought they were modernists also.

Archer, very good, I couldn't have said that better so I won't try - I think Russell and Acton would like that too. P.S. I need to buy some of that essence, any ideas?

Its a true statement, and I agree with Archer. Yet, I put my hand up in the air and bang my head against the wall asking myself, why are we where we are today?

This British writer was writing most likely about Britain, not about the Founders or America. The US is eclectic not conformist and the US government bends over backwards to employ people of all races, religions, and ethnicities. It bends over backwards to accomodate its employees religious holidays etcetera. Most people admire these shores because of its freedom of diversity and that one can be themselves.

I would never be so naive as to be automatically assume an epochcentrist point of view. Well said Archer. History has taught that principles transcend modernist practicality/philosophy towards what "works". Application will change, but the substance of what "works" will never change, because, at the end of the day, we're all just creatures of nature -- and we will never escape this.

That susceptibility is not exclusively modern. Human beings, by nature, are a dichotomy unto themselves. In a large enough group we tend to behave like herds of thoughtless beasts being driven here or there for no particular reason at all. Left alone we start to think and behave as free men exercising our own logic to reason out the truth for ourselves. Perhaps that is why I prefer solitude and don't care to join parties or associations.

Yes Archer. very well stated. So well in fact that I will now include this in my collection of quotables. Thank you.

Sounds to me like the author sees truth as something that is arbitrary.

This road has been ridden many times and the outcomes is always the same....

This, too, is the definition of the "BIG LIE "