“There never was an idea stated that woke men out of their stupid indifference but its originator was spoken of as a crank.”

I disagree.What about the idea of establishing a Republic in North America in the late 18th century?That's just 1 example.

I have wakened from my "stupid indifference".

Me again, the founders of the representative republic in North America were by other terms, spoken of as cranks. Jesus might be another example but, by other terms He was also spoken of as a crank.

Little of all we value here
Wakes on the morn of its hundredth year
Without both feeling and looking queer.
In fact, there's nothing that keeps its youth,
So far as I know, but a tree and truth.
I see men as trees walking. And all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
God bless the flag and its loyal defenders.
Washed from its stains in the blood of the brave.

Indeed! ;-) But then again, I happen to enjoy the company of so-called 'cranks' -- like most who comment on this site! ;-)

"All truth passes through 3 stages.
First, it is ridiculed.
Second, it is violently opposed.
Third, it is accepted as being self-evident."
~ Arthur Schopenhauer

Archer, I laugh, we are a bunch of cranks here

One example was when the germ theory was introduced to explain diseases, the medical profession laughed at it.

It just goes to show us cranks, actually are looking from the same side of the table. Isn't it wonderful ! We do make it interesting. : )
Semper Fi . Go REBUBLIC !!

E Archer, I love the Arthur Schopenhauer quote.

Original thinkers tend to make the mass conventional populous feel very threatened.