The Wrongs of Thomas More (Wrong 5)

An exploration of Thomas More's 1529 'Dyaloge' reveals his complex stance on religious authority and heresy, leading to his role in executing Protestant reformers. The text shows More's transformation from a humanist intellectual to an authoritarian figure, highlighting his struggle between rational thought and absolute religious submission. The analysis connects More's public submission to authority with broader patterns of authoritarian behavior across history.

Resist Authoritarianism by Refusing to Obey in Advance

Historical examples demonstrate how anticipatory obedience enables authoritarian regimes to expand their power, illustrated by events in Nazi Germany and Austria. Stanley Milgram's famous psychological experiments revealed humans' surprising willingness to comply with authority figures, even when asked to harm others. The text explores how voluntary compliance and adaptation to new rules can lead to rapid societal transformation and devastating consequences.

They Thought They Were Free

A German philologist reflects on how Nazi Germany gradually separated government from its people through subtle changes, constant distractions, and manufactured crises. The narrative explores how educated professionals became complicit through inaction, highlighting the insidious nature of incremental societal transformation.