To shoot a man because one disagrees with his interpretation of Darwin or Hegel is a sinister tribute to the supremacy of ideas in human affairs -- but a tribute nevertheless.

Summary

This quote suggests that resorting to violence, such as shooting someone, solely because one disagrees with their interpretation of philosophical ideas like Darwin or Hegel, is a dark acknowledgment of the immense power and influence ideas possess in shaping human affairs. While deeming it sinister, the quote implies that this extreme act is essentially a form of tribute, albeit an unsettling one, to the profound impact of ideas on individuals and society as a whole.

Topics