Defeat of the Mind
The culture of the dominant class reigned, not by virtue of intrinsic superiority of values or products, but only by its place in society. From European powered colonization traditions were uprooted, their knowledge and tastes ridiculed, everything that gave substance and meaning, knowledge of the changing winds, the land rich in secret signs, of the female cat that senses the coming of cold weather- were eliminated, without pity, from the legitimate culture.
The fact the individual has broken the ties that attached him to old communitarian structures (corporations, churches, castes or hierarchical rankings) and has managed his affairs with no restrictions, does not, ipso facto, give him new direction in the world. He can cut himself off from society without being free of its prejudices. Limiting authority does not guarantee independence of judgment or will. When inherited social constraints disappear, there is no assurance that freedom of the spirit will follow. As long as there are people who do not think for themselves, who let others make up their minds for them, breaking the chains is all in vain.
Alain Finkielkraut- Defeat of the Mind
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