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Comment by neom | Hacker News Reader

I'm not sure it's an "issue". People just think differently. I'm Canadian and I'm probably way more comfortable with what would be described as authoritarian ideologies than you folks. I'm relatively well educated, I'm not ignorant to history etc etc - but there are aspects of authoritarian ideas that I don't outright object to, central planning per the CPC, as one example. I have a lot of reasons, and I've thought about this deeply over years, I don't particularly care to write an essay on my views for this thread as it's not really the point, the point is people can just think differently, have a different perspective on these things without a direct reason.

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This comment bothers me. It's points are: (1) People think differently. (2) Authoritarian ideologies have some good aspects, like central planning. (3) I am smart and my ideas well thought out. (4) I will not participate in a detailed discussion. Have I missed any?

The first two points are fine, obvious even. Although they are not a satisfying answers to the questions "Why are authoritarian ideologies becoming more popular?" These answers seem equivalent to answering a physics question with "we live in a strange world" and then just leaving it at that.

The latter 2 points are bothersome. I much prefer the default "social contract" implied by most messages: "These are my thoughts. I welcome further thoughts or counter arguments. I may or may not participate in further discussion." That goes without saying and seems much nicer than "I'm smart and my arguments are sound, but don't expect further discussion, see ya".

There's an interesting discussion to be had around point 2 and the pros and cons of different ideologies. All of that was buried beneath points 3 and 4, asserting your intelligence and discouraging further discussion.

I agree, was a hurried comment on the way out the door to the office, my bad. I read OP as basically saying authoritarianism is wrong. What I was trying to say is, the world is a complex place, reasonable people can disagree. I wasn't trying to say I'm particularly smart, only that I don't think I'm totally ignorant, and also that I realize that it's complex and there is further discussion to be had (although it's not for me).

The difference is that authoritarian measures also affect those with different opinions. That isn't reciprocated by more liberal ideas.

Especially when people are more safe than ever before, the measures proposed here merit some pushback.

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