Author Topic: A serious case of collective bewilderment  (Read 44 times)

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A serious case of collective bewilderment
« on: August 07, 2025, 09:32:29 am »
A serious case of collective bewilderment

Hans Labohm.

Out of the box (2022)

After I had called the fight against climate change a serious case of collective bewilderment in a TV interview some twenty years ago, my life took a different turn.

I have always kept quiet about that. But now – after all these years – it is time to open up about it.

Some colleagues of mine at the institute where I woke up at the time, Clingendael, reacted emotionally and became angry with me when I shared my views with them. Others distanced themselves from me in a less ostentatious way.

At Clingendael I was told that they were very happy with the way in which I, as an economist, contributed to the activities of the institute and that they hoped that this would remain the case, but that my involvement with 'climate' was not appreciated.

I countered that climate policy would have a very large impact on our economy, both nationally and internationally, and that as an economist you should therefore pay attention to it. But this argument was rejected. And what about academic freedom? I asked. This argument was also found not to be strong enough.

https://www.climategate.nl/2024/12/een-ernstig-geval-van-collectieve-verstandsverbijstering/
The unity of government which constitutes you one people is also now dear to you. It is justly so, for it is a main pillar in the edifice of your real independence, the support of your tranquility at home, your peace abroad; of your safety; of your prosperity; of that very liberty which you so highly prize. But as it is easy to foresee that, from different causes and from different quarters, much pains will be taken, many artifices employed to weaken in your minds the conviction of this truth.  George Washington - Farewell Address