The Popes and Democracy - Part V. the Attitude of Catholics in a World of Errors 46. How Modern Man Speaks

Modern man, however, conforming to the accepted fashion prevailing among well-mannered and educated people, would not say: "It is utterly untrue." Now, that is just not done! Modern man would use a cautious paraphrase. He would not assert, he would not even suggest straight away, but just venture a qualified opinion: "May I venture to say that this may not always be quite correct." This artifice of style, of course, sounds radically different from: "It is utterly untrue." It really contains four understatements a) It is correct to some extent (but not quite) b) It is sometimes correct (but not always) c) It is not, it may only be (a reservation bearing on both "always" and "quite".) d) It is not an assertion; only a requested "venture". When an opinion is so watered down, it loses most of its significance. It leaves a doubt in the minds of the listeners. Nothing is certain any longer, and everything becomes a matter of "personal opinion". _Modern language conceals its lack of moral courage behind a screen of moderation_. It reflects the misguided sense of tolerance and desire to appease which are typical of our times. What a contrast to the language used by the Popes! Christ, too, always used direct language, that used to shock many of His listeners and even his own disciples. Should a Catholic, therefore, be afraid of being outspoken?