Shakespeare’s infamous ‘let’s kill all the lawyers’ quote is often misquoted or misunderstood, but it’s actually a complex phrase that references the importance of maintaining a fair rule of law. In his play Henry VI, Part II, it is said by a villainous character, Dick the Butcher, in the context of a class-revolt against the oppressive upper-classes. The quote could be a criticism of lawyers as defenders of the wealthy, or it could be a recognition of the need for justice and the protection of rights – which lawyers can provide – in order for a society to exist peacefully. Read full article here
Culture
The Priest in the Arena
The phrase “man in the arena” has been popularized in recent years, but a lesser known, more dangerous archetype is the “priest in the arena”. This figure is responsible for a process called theocratic capture, where an institution surrenders to a cult demanding unaccountable authority, fueled by claims to privileged knowledge. These cults often target powerful institutions and attempt to monopolize conversations with scaremongering tactics and hostile treatment of allies. It is important to identify and stop theocratic capture before it can gain control. Read full article here
Merv
May 29, 2023
