Men fear thought as they fear nothing else on earth -- more than ruin -- more even than death.... Thought is subversive and revolutionary, destructive and terrible, thought is merciless to privilege, established institutions, and comfortable habit.

Summary

This quote highlights the inherent fear that men have towards the power of thought. It suggests that they fear thought more than anything, even ruin or death. The quote explains that thought is seen as dangerous and revolutionary because it has the potential to challenge and dismantle established privileges, institutions, and comfortable habits. It emphasizes the subversive and destructive nature of thought, while also portraying its merciless nature towards existing structures and norms.

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