19 Comments

Excellent and a convincing argument on what is required of us in these times. And yet, lately I wrestle with the realization behind the truths, “We become what we fear” and “Your greatest strength is also your greatest weakness”. The challenge lay in casting off respectability just enough to see change in our world--without ourselves becoming the very demons we seek to counter. The Crusades come to mind. An anchor, a bellwether, and a compass are required...and each of these are found in faith, hope, and love.

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Very good. An alternate framing might be 'make sure you remain respectable to those you most admire'.

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Then one succumbs to man pleasing -- a horrible prison. The only measure by which a man should measure himself is by the standard set forth in Scripture that never changes.

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Yes, I enjoy the freedom of not caring how those for whom I have little regard think. I remember being so worn down by this when I was younger as I find it exhausting. Now I simply don't care.

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As a friend recently said to me (paraphrasing): if the culture is going to act insane, then we should feel free to make fun of the culture. I do this on here, and I do it often with profane language. Excellent piece here. Thank you.

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This is a man called Adam who now describes himself as "Isla". He is a convicted rapist and appeared outside court with a distinct bulge in his leggings. He did this in the hope he would be imprisoned with women: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11688293/Trans-double-rapist-Isla-Bryson-demanded-5-000-BT-getting-letters-dead-name.html.

How can you not laugh, and mock people who call this repellent man a woman?

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I am reminded of Orwell when he wrote Animal Farm. This was in the midst of WW2 and Stalin was our ally. It was not a popular or a respectable thing to do. And yet he did. He stuck to his guns. And we are glad he did.

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I'm not a nice guy (socially acceptable) though I try to be kind which is actually a virtue.

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Excellent article. But i wonder how one manages this while also carrying out the career course you outlined in your article about how frogs should enter elite lib institutions

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It's a good question. I think the distinction that I'm trying to draw out is one of fear vs. prudence. Trying to appear respectable just because you're afraid of standing out is no good: your motivation is fear. Trying to fly under the radar in a hostile environment is understandable: your motivation is to empower your family. But agreed that navigating this requires radical self-honesty about motivations.

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There is a reluctance on the Right to use camouflage at work, when amongst people who are our enemies. Should the Army still wear scarlet tunics? Is it 'ungentlemanly' to drop bombs from aircraft, as was thought during WW1? They aren't playing by the rules so neither should we.

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I loved this essay and actually found it very respectable.

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Ha, thanks

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I read it at the right time, and it has been inspiring me for the past few days in relation to my own social life. Also, a great call for unity among similar groups with minor differences in comparison to a shared wider understanding and plight. Consider me a new reader.

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Thank you Rachel, glad to hear it

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Brilliant!

Conformity is NOT a virtue. I'm sure that's a quote from someone.

At any rate, that's what I tell my children. Conforming sometimes results in an immoral action. If the "agreed upon" thing to do is immoral -- don't do it.

Conformity does not equal morality, because left unchecked, man is definitely *not* intrinsically moral. That's a truth lost to most leftists.

Great essay!

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Absolutely - and thank you

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RemovedMay 25, 2023Liked by Johann Kurtz
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Yes I picked up on this as well. Not the best example for the piece especially as the Bible counsels against foul language, however I see his point about rejecting the concept of 'decency' which lies underneath it. When 'decency' meant politeness, fidelity to one's wife, honesty in business, consideration for strangers etc then 'decency' was moral and right. Now it means special allowances for Muslims and homosexuals, sexual ugliness and screeching anger for those who disagree.

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I agree and I try my best never to swear - but I quoted that passage more to highlight the necessity to reject being controlled by middle class social expectations at a time when progressive notions have deeply infiltrated that class.

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