“Thought is led, by the situation of its objects, to measure their truth in terms of another logic, another universe of discourse. And this logic projects another mode of existence: the realization of the truth in the words and deeds of man. And inasmuch as this project involves man as societal animal,” the polis, the movement of thought has a political content. Thus, the Socratic discourse is political discourse inasmuch as it contradicts the established political institutions. The search for the correct definition, for the “concept” of virtue, justice, piety, and knowledge becomes a subversive undertaking, for the concept intends a new polis.”

— Herbert Marcuse , book One-Dimensional Man

Source: One-Dimensional Man (1964), pp. 133-134

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Herbert Marcuse 105

German philosopher, sociologist, and political theorist 1898–1979

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Herbert Marcuse book One-Dimensional Man

Source: One-Dimensional Man (1964), pp. 139-140

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Source: One-Dimensional Man (1964), p. 142

“Political discourse becomes isolated, and isolated discourse becomes more extreme.”

Lawrence Lessig book Free Culture

Free Culture (2004)
Context: We, the most powerful democracy in the world, have developed a strong norm against talking about politics. It's fine to talk about politics with people you agree with. But it is rude to argue about politics with people you disagree with. Political discourse becomes isolated, and isolated discourse becomes more extreme. We say what our friends want to hear, and hear very little beyond what our friends say.