This mindless tolerance, which places observable scientific facts, subject to proof, on the same level as unprovable supernatural fantasy, has played a major role in the resurgence of both anti-intellectualism and anti-rationalism.
Interpretation
The quote criticizes the equal treatment of science and unprovable beliefs, warning against the dangers of anti-intellectualism.
Susan Jacoby argues that the indiscriminate acceptance of both scientific facts and unverified supernatural beliefs undermines rational thought and contributes to a growing culture of anti-intellectualism. By placing these two fundamentally different ways of understanding the world on the same plane, we risk fostering ignorance and rejection of reasoned evidence, which can have serious implications for society's progression.
In practice
This quote could be shared during a lecture on the importance of scientific literacy.
What really counted was the possibility of escape, a leap to freedom, out of the implacable ritual, a wild run for it that would give whatever chance for hope there was. Of course, hope meant being cut down on some street corner, as you ran like mad, by a random bullet. But when I really thought it through, nothing was going to allow me such a luxury. Everything was against it; I would just be caught up in the machinery again.
I loathed the game, and since I could see no pleasure or usefulness in it, it was very difficult for me to show courage at it. Football, it seemed to me, is not really played for the pleasure of kicking a ball about, but is a species of fighting.
Where there is so much racket, there must be something out of kilter. I think that 'twixt the Negroes of the South and the women at the North, all talking about rights, the white men will be in a fix pretty soon.
Out of Mahat comes universal egoism.
Being a Christian means renouncing ourselves, taking up the cross and carrying it with Jesus. There is no other way.
He is intangible and invisible. But His work is more powerful than the most ferocious wind. The Spirit brings order out of chaos and beauty out of ugliness. He can transform a sin-blistered man into a paragon of virtue. The Spirit changes people. The Author of life is also the Transformer of life.
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