I’ve got such a complaint before about using this quote mostly saying that my use of the quote from a fantasy TV program undermines the seriousness and the creditably of the subject.
I have always felt that you can find core truths in many places, sometimes even in very unusual places, but that doesn’t take away from their truth.This discussion makes me think of another ‘fantasy quote, one from John Wayne’s Movie ‘The Shootist’: “I won’t be wronged. I won’t be insulted. I won’t be laid a-hand on. I don’t do these things to other people, and I require the same from them.” Tell me what’s not true here? Would not the world as a whole be better if all tried to follow this simple code?
But back to my Star Trek quote, for those that don’t understand the point this quote is making how about if I ‘translate’ it:
John Doe: “Let me tell you something about people, Nephew. Most are wonderful and friendly as long as their bellies are full and their tv’s are working. But take away their creature comforts, deprive them of food, sleep, hot showers, put their lives in jeopardy over an extended period of time and those same friendly, intelligent, wonderful people... will become as nasty and as violent as the most bloodthirsty gangbanger. You don’t believe me? Look at those faces. Look in their eyes.”
So tell me is this not a true statement of what happens to people once placed under such stressful conditions? You would be surprised how many people don’t realize the transformations that can take place under such conditions. And because of their ignorance many won’t even live long learn.
If you can’t understand that then I suggest that you do both of us a favor and stop reading my post after all you your own words say that you can’t be taking me seriously.
I also know that for a message to be received as it was sent, one must use the best language to get that done. I can see how some might not agree, but the Quark quote works for me.
Those of us who grew up on science fiction have a special kind of fascination/horror about the events of our time.
We aren't surprised to see the science fictional tech of yesterday become the scientific facts of today.
Unfortunately, from this perspective, it's also no big leap of faith to see some of the more terrifying aspects of those science fictional societies also coming to life.
So, from that point of view, Quark's words of wisdom aren't fantasy. They are our future, our closer by the day/event, not too distant future.
Good God... lighten up, Francis.
"The avalanche has started, it is too late for the pebbles to vote."
You misread and misquoted what I said.
I never said I didn’t take what you are saying seriously. I said you lose some credibility quoting quark from star trek to make your point about the evil in the real world, real people. Again and again. There are plenty of real people who have better quotes about the evil of man than to have to use alien creatures telling us about how evil man is.
It’s a serious subject, using this doesn’t really treat it that seriously, especially given the nature of Quark himself. If we really have to analyze it that far. Kind of like using a quote Bemedict Arnold to discuss the immorality of British traitors. And even that would be better because Benedict Arnold would at least be a real person.