Ad Hominem Etiquette, The Mechanics of Virtue, Matt Berry, aphorism 154

154

Ad Hominem Etiquette: When the dominant is incorrect, there is at least one fault which cannot be compensated by any degree of truth: the exposure by an insubordinate is inappropriate behavior, betraying a lack of taste and education. And so, that which ought to constitute the shame of the dominant easily becomes the guilt of the subordinate, for when the dominant felt discomfort at being observed in error, the blame obviously belonged to the agent of his discomfort. It is not the truth but the inappropriate conduct which brought that truth forth which now trumps the debate. It is not enough to have the truth; one must also have the rank to render it appropriate.



A Human Strategy ** The Mechanics of Virtue ** Post-Atheism



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