"Society attacks early when the individual is helpless."
by:
B. F. Skinner
(1904-1990) American psychologist, author, inventor, advocate for social reform and poet
Rating:
Categories:
 
Bookmark and Share  
Reader comments about this quote:
Yes, we are no different to other animals down the food chain. But what makes us different is choice - we either gravitate to the dark side or to the side of enlightenment - the choice is yours... Will society ever change or are we doomed because of our unwillingness to accept compassion and kindness as our only true religion.
 -- RobertSRQ     
    		•  
    This is the exact feeling I had when I got my first paycheck and saw the SS Withholding. Glad to be on the receiving end now however. Children have no sense to hold the door for the person behind them. This practice which creates a quantum leap in the happiness level of society is one of the earliest learned social graces. Such social graces make living with others tolerable.
     -- Bruce, 'Bama     
  • 1
    		•  
    From the father of behavioral psychology, this quote hits the nail on the head. Based on his discoveries, entire 'educational programs' have been developed. The media utilize his techniques as the basis for creating public opinion. And for most of us, it may be decades before we come to realize how much 'programming' we have received -- indeed some never let go of the beliefs and prejudices put into them since youth.
     -- E Archer, NYC     
    		•  
    The first three attacks are cow's milk, sugar and vaccinations. After those comes diet sodas and public schools for indoctrination and intimidation.
     -- Dave     
    		•  
     -- Mike, Norwalk      
    Those attacks Mike are not from "society" but from businessess that want your wortless paper money. Whose fault is it that you give it them.
     -- Bruce, 'Bama     
    		•  
    This quote addresses the pack mentality of man. Like an animal that becomes wounded or sick then is attacked by his pears and killed. This is not true for all animals but I have seen it many times. Kill the weak. The same thing goes on with mankind. People are repulsed by some one because of some type of perceived difference or weakness. Children do this on play grounds and adults do it everywhere. The manner is often different but the instinct is still the same. Hitler exploited this instinct along with Darwin's theory to try to eliminate every one he perceived to be weak. It still goes on today all over the world. It is the stuff tyrants are made of.
     -- warren, olathe     
    		•  
    This group should really read up on Skinner...he's not talking about anything chemical...he's BF Skinner for goodness' sake! He probably denied the existence of chemicals...all that matters is behavior...not choices. We don't make choices, we do what we've been reinforced to do.
     -- N., Skintown!     
    		•  
    Hitler used religion not darwin, read his speeches. The Nazi belt buckle reads, "Got Mit Uns" , translation = God with us. Hitler talked about Christ left and right in his speeches, not genetics. Why do you think Hitler chose jews and everyone followed along, NOT DARWIN ! Skinner was also a thinker, an atheist.
     -- Nate, enon     
  • 1
    		•  
    And government likes to keep people helpless and dependent.
     -- jim k, Austin,Tx     
    		•  
    Through the use of laws and propoganda certain identifiable groups in our society are being marginalized. Gun owners, smokers and Constitutionalists are good examples of people who's values, views or activities are portrayed as "nuts" or "threats". I have to wonder who is the next on the Nazi-esque hit list? Obese people? The handicapped? White males between 30 and 50? Once this sort of thing gets going...there's no telling where it will lead.
     -- J Carlton, Calgary     
    		•  
    Nate, to cherry pick a few facts that are glaringly astute in the obvious, without any understanding thereof, and then to weave a prejudicial dogma out of the ill gotten conclusion is an example of the quote's focus. (you probably think that if someone stands in a government garage, puts grease in his hair, has rubber on the soul of his shoes and keeps yelling 'honk' he must be a Chevy) In the statist theocracy infesting this land, society continually attacks the helpless individual, beginning at birth. By way of a very limited example: a socialist security (society's slave numeration) identification is issued at birth. A Stockholm Syndrome is commenced from certain toys and programs such as 'Head Start.'
     -- Mike, Norwalk     
    		•  
    That we're just socially programmed, sugar eating, fat monkeys with guns who kill our heroes and fail to recognise the true individuals in our midst is hard to disagree with. I'll be watching out for those killer pears though.
     -- Mick, Manchester     
    		•  
    From Eido knowledge, very shallow. Why not dissect the natal agent, Skinner. Who plays with people as dogs and cats, rewarding food for behavior. Thinking freewill is an illusion, critic of enlightenment, trusting only in the experience of temptation. Try it with out the food, you will engage the Spirit. Of which he lacks greatly. If that is what Harvard has to offer for wisdom from a secularist humanist stand point. Sounds like a bunch of Democ socialist who just lost the election ! enemy within the ranks of our Institutes of learning. Wake up people, and recognize the opposition's ability to sway sentiment. Even in this blog we grant stars for statements rather than intent.\ of person/word/spirit, praise enemies rather than condemning them. that in itself promotes separation. the lacking of empirical so-called science is brutish with knowledge. sway and indoctrinate.
     -- Ronw13, Oregon     
    		•  
    The newly born, as well as newly conceived, should be shown the utmost respect. The respectable show respect.
     -- Fredrick William Sillik, Anytown     
    		•  
     
    Rate this quote!
    How many stars?
    0
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5
     
    What do YOU think?
    Your name:
    		 Your town:
        CLICK JUST ONCE!

    Today's Quotes
    More Quotations
    Most Popular
    Recent Comments
    Get a Quote-A-Day! Free!
    Liberty Quotes sent to your mail box.
    RSS Subscribe
    Quotes & Quotations - Send This Quote to a Friend

    © 1998-2024 Liberty-Tree.ca