“All great truths begin as blasphemies” — is a widely quoted sentence written by George Bernard Shaw. The meaning of blasphemy here is of course, insult towards something considered sacred and inviolable – another truth.
This quote is interesting because it creates a few problems by itself. It implies that a truth can only be relative or timely, because a new truth will necessarily replace an old truth (hence the blasphemy).
It also implies that the arising of a new truth will be resisted by society, which is certainly reasonable – and we observe every day when well established institutions defend themselves from changes occurring around them. The word ‘blasphemy’ however is very strong and implies an emotional reaction that is deep rooted in present beliefs. It is true that legal and public challenges by existing institutions sometimes border on modern blasphemy indictments.
In any case it serves to highlight that if you come up with a new truth you can expect to be strongly rejected by society, in an emotional manner, because you put in question the prevailing belief. You’ve been warned!
