Daniel J. Pipes

8 readers online now  |  62 million page views

120,172 comments by 30,669 readers

Go to Mobile Site

The essence of conflict

Reader comment on item: Reflections on the Revolution in France*

Submitted by Darwin Barrett (United States), Nov 14, 2005 at 13:24

Humans have two basic needs that conflict. The need for a separate identity, and the need to be a part of the whole. Allegorically, if you put on your "Ford" hat (Expressing your individualism) and Go to a "Chevy" convention (a place where the culture is "Chevy") You will be a "Misfit". If you go to a country that is French, and want to maintain the culture of your heritage you will be a misfit.

The communists taught us that the power to change the culture comes through violence, and is particularly effective when the entrenched social order is apathetic. The end result of the French riots will be concessions by the French establishment which will empower the rioters. Jihad comes in many forms.

Note: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the authors alone and not necessarily those of Daniel Pipes. Original writing only, please. Comments are screened and in some cases edited before posting. Reasoned disagreement is welcome but not comments that are scurrilous, off-topic, commercial, disparaging religions, or otherwise inappropriate. For complete regulations, see the "Guidelines for Reader Comments".

Comment on this item

Name
Email Address (optional)
Title of Comments
Comments:

Note: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the authors alone and not necessarily those of Daniel Pipes. Original writing only, please. Comments are screened and in some cases edited before posting. Reasoned disagreement is welcome but not comments that are scurrilous, off-topic, commercial, disparaging religions, or otherwise inappropriate. For complete regulations, see the "Guidelines for Reader Comments".

See recent outstanding comments.

Join Daniel Pipes on a Fact Finding Expedition to Israel, March 2012
For full details click here

ADVERTISEMENTS

History News Network
eXTReMe Tracker
Shop BestofVegas for your next Vegas Vacation

Follow Daniel Pipes

Facebook   Twitter   RSS   Join Mailing List

All materials written by Daniel Pipes on this site © 1968-2012 Daniel Pipes. Email: daniel.pipes@gmail.com

You can help support Daniel Pipes' work by making a tax-deductible donation to the Middle East Forum. Daniel J. Pipes