My article of freethinking activism aims to promote causes so much omited from our daily lives and their absurd pace.
There are atheists, humanists, LGBTQ+ people, secularists, and last but not least – the very freethinkers.
They assume their position as no privilage – as something automatical. In reality, however, it is something our peers or ancestors must have won.
It is either being informed in politics, civic activism, being a role model, volunteer, paticipace in a fund-raising campaing, foster inclusion, promote peace, animal welfare, huma rights, pay money to disadvantage people.
Freethinkers must have had their rights won through significant efforts and struggles
Freethinkers, those who challenge conventional religious, political, and social norms, have historically had to fight hard for their rights. Often in the face of significant opposition. Their struggle for recognition and acceptance began in earnest during the Enlightenment. This was a period when intellectuals began questioning the established doctrines of the church and state. In many cases, their ideas were initially met with hostility, censorship, and persecution. However, through persistent advocacy, strategic alliances, and the use of the press, freethinkers were able to make their voices heard and gradually secure their rights.
One of the key strategies employed by freethinkers was the use of newspapers and pamphlets to disseminate their ideas to a broader audience. In the 18th and 19th centuries, these printed materials became powerful tools for challenging the status quo and mobilizing public opinion. Freethinkers such as Thomas Paine, with his influential pamphlet “The Age of Reason,” used these platforms to critique organized religion and advocate for reason and secularism. These writings were often controversial and faced censorship. But they also inspired a growing number of people to question traditional beliefs and join the freethought movement.
Hard fighting
The fight for freethinkers’ rights was also closely tied to broader social and political movements. Such as the push for freedom of speech, press, and assembly. In many countries, freethinkers aligned themselves with other progressive causes, such as the abolition of slavery, women’s suffrage, and workers’ rights. Thus, recognizing that there was an interconnection between those struggles. By building coalitions with other reform movements, freethinkers were able to amplify their message and gain greater support.
Legal battles also played a significant role in securing the rights of freethinkers. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, court cases in various countries addressed issues related to freedom of speech, censorship, and the separation of church and state. These legal victories were crucial in establishing the rights of individuals to express dissenting views without fear of persecution. In the United States, for example, the Supreme Court case of Everson v. Board of Education in 1947 affirmed the principle of separation of church and state, which has been a cornerstone of freethought advocacy.
Economical punishments
Freethinkers also had to contend with social ostracism and economic repercussions for their beliefs. Many lost their jobs, were shunned by their communities, or faced legal penalties for blasphemy or heresy. Despite these challenges, they continued to organize and advocate for a society where reason, and evidence, and they valued free inquiry over dogma and tradition. Over time, their persistence paid off, leading to greater acceptance of secularism and the rights of individuals to hold and express non-religious beliefs.
Today, the rights that freethinkers fought for are enshrined in the constitutions and legal frameworks of many democratic countries. However, the struggle for full acceptance and equality continues in some parts of the world. The legacy of these freethinkers is evident in the continued efforts to promote secularism, protect freedom of expression, and challenge authoritarianism in all its forms. Their success serves as a testament to the power of ideas and the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs, even in the face of overwhelming opposition.
Freethinking activism: The brutal persecution
The history of freethinkers is marred by horrific episodes of persecution, as their challenge to established religious and societal norms often provoked severe backlash from authorities and communities. From the Inquisition to the Enlightenment, those who dared to question or reject religious orthodoxy faced dire consequences, ranging from social ostracism to torture and execution.
During the medieval period, particularly in Europe, the Catholic Church wielded immense power, both spiritually and politically. They often labeled freethinkers, who questioned the church’s teachings or the existence of God, as heretics. The Inquisition, a series of institutions within the Catholic Church, was established to root out and punish heresy. Those accused of heresy were subjected to brutal interrogations, often involving torture, to extract confessions. The punishments for those found guilty were severe – many were burned at the stake, a fate that befell notable figures like Giordano Bruno, who was executed in 1600 for his beliefs in an infinite universe and other ideas that contradicted church doctrine.
Ostracization
The horrors of persecution were not limited to physical punishment. Freethinkers also faced social and economic consequences that could be equally devastating.
In many communities, individuals who expressed unorthodox views were ostracized, losing their social standing and, in many cases, their livelihoods. They were often shunned by their neighbors, expelled from professional guilds, and barred from holding public office. This social isolation was a powerful tool used by religious authorities to maintain control over the population and suppress dissent.
Even as the Enlightenment began to spread ideas of reason and individual rights, freethinkers continued to face persecution. In Protestant regions, where the Reformation had challenged the authority of the Catholic Church, new forms of religious intolerance emerged. Figures like Baruch Spinoza, a philosopher who challenged the traditional views of God and religion, were excommunicated from their communities and faced constant threats to their safety. Spinoza’s writings were banned, and he lived much of his life in relative obscurity to avoid the wrath of religious authorities.
The Catholic heretics
In addition to these individual cases, entire communities sometimes suffered for their freethought beliefs. The Cathars in southern France, who rejected the Catholic Church’s teachings, were nearly exterminated during the Albigensian Crusade in the 13th century. The church sanctioned a brutal campaign against them, resulting in mass executions and the destruction of their communities. Similarly, during the English Reformation, those who refused to conform to the established church, whether Catholic or Protestant, faced persecution, imprisonment, and execution.
The persecution of freethinkers was often justified by the authorities as necessary to maintain social order and religious purity. However, it was also motivated by fear. The same fear that new ideas could undermine the power of the church and destabilize society. As a result, freethinkers were often scapegoated, blamed for natural disasters, social unrest, and other misfortunes that befell their communities. This scapegoating further fueled the persecution, leading to cycles of violence and repression.
Even in more recent history, freethinkers have faced persecution in various forms. In totalitarian regimes, where the state often assumes a quasi-religious authority, those who promote secularism or challenge the state’s ideology are frequently targeted. In the Soviet Union, for example, freethinkers who opposed state atheism were imprisoned, exiled, or executed. Conversely, in some religiously conservative countries today, those who espouse secular or atheist views face harsh penalties, including imprisonment, corporal punishment, or death.
The horrors of persecution experienced by freethinkers throughout history underscore the immense courage it took to challenge the prevailing norms and advocate for freedom of thought. Their struggles remind us of the importance of safeguarding the rights to free expression and belief, and the need to remain vigilant against any form of oppression that seeks to stifle intellectual freedom.
Elon Musk and how much does freedom of speech matter?
No matter what we think about Elon Musk or pre-prepared startups (I really don’t believe the powerful would let their leaders be defiant), Elon Musk, even with his setbacks, promotes freedom of speech.
Of course, he is a politician, swimming in a pool full of sharks. The super-rich families, politicians, Big Tech influential figures, or lobbyists, he deals with all of them.
He bought Twitter (now X) not because of his gentle manners, but because media has influence. And all of the powerful players share them.
He is at the peak of his stardom, which eventually diminishes as in the world of AI, only Einstein, Jesus Christ, and Mohamed remain relevant.
An absolute freedom of speech
Either there is freedom of speech or there isn’t. In the Czech Republic, I live in, there is not.
You must be politically correct, when a minority member has malfunctioned suit-and-tie, it is racism, you cannot say Nazi Germany wasn’t just pure evil (I am not saying it was good, I would have entered the gas chamber as the first). It same goes with communism.
We need to tolerate even such opinions which make you puke.
Freethinking activism in media, educational system? Forget about it
And here we are. Our beloved super-rich want to have everything that matters under their influence.
You may object the Woke movement was a part of free inquiry. No, I guess not. It was just the establishment attempt to stir societal moods (for example, nonsential 60 form of sexes).
For example, the greatest power (USA) is exerting such massive soft power (even the hard) that is impossible to come up with great ideas that are threatening the establishment.
You may object the movement “Me too” hasn’t been started by the establishment (it was actually threatening people connected with the establishment), but the “Woke” movement definitely possesses fingerprints of the background elites.
The desired change: Mold the educational system as you please. A utopia
Freethinking activism as a leading force of the American formal educational system? No! But the super-rich are.
Telling how would society change? No! How to conduct sensible eugenics, have state atheism, vegan society, doctors conducting without supervision, legalize drugs (contrary to causalities-loaded The War on Drugs), changing the culture for the better, introduce one universal language, one global penitentiary system, no animal-like stories news (because we are animals which like telling stories), but satistical-mathematical educational news.
Well, a lot of options, and few challengers, but a lot of people in charge making sure this doesn’t happen.
Free media
My ancestors were in awe in 1968 of what the TV presenters had been talking about, suddenly out of the censorship, they were against the government or form of government. And, of course, it met its end with the bitter Warsaw Pact invasion of Czechoslovakia.
As a person born after the Velvet Revolution, they made me sure this regime was different. Kind of disappointing. All the lobbyists, super-rich, crooks, and secret services destroying the lives of people who are unwanted are against the purpose of the super-rich, the wars are led because of economic reasons, human experiments, massive surveillance, military-industrial complex. I would have never thought I would be kind of dissident.
Media do not want any change unless those in charge wish to (of course when it is convenient for them). So no freethinking thoughts. Sorry.
Occupy Wall Street was great, but the disobedience must be greater
Nobody tries to hide that this movement was destroyed by the collaboration of the Big Banks and security forces. If every American soldier wasn’t brainwashed and stood up, it would mean the end for the puppet masters destroying freethinking activism and societal change.
1960s effective eliminated
In the 1960s, a series of ambitious efforts to reshape American society and align it more closely with European social systems ultimately ended in failure. Despite the idealistic aspirations of the time, the push for sweeping social change was effectively eliminated, leaving a landscape littered with disillusionment.
The American attempt to emulate European models of social welfare and governance – seeking to create a more equitable and just society – failed miserably. This failure can be attributed to a combination of entrenched interests and systemic resistance. The power structures in place, including secret services, large banks, and influential wealthy families, were determined to maintain the status quo. These forces, operating largely behind the scenes, worked to undermine and neutralize any significant social reform that threatened their interests.
Moreover, politicians, often compared to slaves under the control of these powerful entities, were unable or unwilling to challenge the existing order. Their actions, or lack thereof, played a crucial role in the suppression of these reformative movements. As a result, the dreams of the 1960s – a decade marked by hope and a desire for change – were systematically dismantled by the very forces that had the most to lose from such transformations.
The legacy of this period serves as a stark reminder of the challenges inherent in attempting to overhaul deeply rooted social and political systems. While the 1960s remain a symbol of idealism and activism, the failure of these efforts underscores the formidable power of established institutions in resisting change. The aspirations to mimic European social systems, though noble in intent, collided with the harsh realities of American political and economic life, leaving a lasting impact on the nation’s trajectory.
What would have happened had the movement been successful?
If the 1960s countercultural movement had not been suppressed or lost momentum, the trajectory of American society might have been significantly different. And possibly the world. The movement, which challenged traditional norms and pushed for civil rights, environmental awareness, and anti-war activism, could have led to accelerated social progress. Racial equality might have seen more rapid and comprehensive reforms, potentially addressing systemic issues like institutional racism more thoroughly. Likewise, the feminist movement, energized by the counterculture’s ideals, might have broken down gender barriers sooner. This led to more equitable workplaces and greater representation in politics.
Politically, the movement’s anti-establishment ethos could have fostered greater accountability in government. If the anti-war sentiments had remained strong, the U.S. might have approached military interventions with more caution, possibly avoiding the prolonged conflicts that characterized later decades. This sustained activism could have also driven deeper political reforms. For example, such as stronger protections for civil liberties and more robust checks on government power.
Environmentally, the early consciousness sparked by the counterculture might have led to stronger environmental protections and a more proactive stance on climate change. The push for sustainability and renewable energy could have taken root earlier. It could have possibly averted some of the environmental crises we face today.
Miraculous change? Global warming
Culturally, the continuation of the movement might have fostered a society more open to diversity and alternative lifestyles. The embrace of communal living and cooperative economies has influenced mainstream culture, leading to a more inclusive and sustainable way of life. However, the persistence of the movement could also have triggered a more intense conservative backlash, leading to increased polarization.
In summary, the endurance of the 1960s movement could have led to a more progressive and environmentally conscious society, with significant advances in social justice and political reform thanks to freethinking activism. The legacy of such a shift would likely have had profound effects on both domestic policies and global trends.
What is the lesson we should take?
We must get rid of clientelism if our freethinking activism should have given a sense.
Open society (not the one of Geroge Soros), freedom of speech, and hopefully, some signals that make us aware when to get the right momentum and we can win.
I also must admit this: “A third of the people in the USA are feeble-minded. Every seventh citizen is either moronic, dementia-stricken or an alcoholic. Half of the population has roughly below-average intellect. (…) These people – therefore half of the nation – are robbed of the complicated multiformity, complementarity, and ambiguity of the world. And IQ 100 is nothing.” This goes against freethinking activism.
Proper eugenics can potentially create a society full of people like John von Neumann (IQ 190; 1 in 1,009,976,678). But here we go, the puppet masters want feeble-minded people whom they can manipulate).
If people were moral thanks to improving people, society would look completely different and the world we live in now would be considered as a planet of sociopaths.
We must fight so every citizen on this planet (maybe even animal) won’t suffer and we will live in peace and abundance.
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