27 Jun 12
Scottish writer Ian Rankin has said of this book, that its the only book he would like to
burn. The gates of Janus is an attempt to explain why serial killers, kill. Its written by
Ian Brady, infamous in the UK for killing a number of children, with an accomplice,
Myra Hindley, in the 1960's. I would like to read it but there are so many issues in my
mind, the worst of these being that I am somehow giving credence to his opinions
merely by reading them. Its not clear that he should even have the right to express
himself in this way. Would you read a book written by a psychopathic and remorseless
serial killer?
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Originally posted by robbie carrobieI remember reading Mein Kampf (as an assignment) while in school . Does that count?
Scottish writer Ian Rankin has said of this book, that its the only book he would like to
burn. The gates of Janus is an attempt to explain why serial killers, kill. Its written by
Ian Brady, infamous in the UK for killing a number of children, with an accomplice,
Myra Hindley, in the 1960's. I would like to read it but there are so many issu ...[text shortened]... in this way. Would you read a book written by a psychopathic and remorseless
serial killer?
27 Jun 12
Originally posted by robbie carrobieTo pick up on one of the interesting points you made in your OP: I read things I disagree with all the time; I make a point of it. I cannot imagine how one lives an independent intellectual life without doing so.
I would like to read it but there are so many issues in my mind, the worst of these being that I am somehow giving credence to his opinions merely by reading them.
27 Jun 12
Originally posted by FMFhmm, its not a case of agreeing or disagreeing FMF, from what I can discern, the guy is
To pick up on one of the interesting points you made in your OP: I read things I disagree with all the time; I make a point of it. I cannot imagine how one lives an independent intellectual life without doing so.
remorseless and manipulative, why should i let someone like that, inside my head?
27 Jun 12
Originally posted by FMFyes, why should he be allowed to express himself publicly, he is being punished, why
To pick up on another interesting point: Could you expand on this curtailed right thing?
should this punishment not extend itself to the right of expression.
27 Jun 12
Originally posted by robbie carrobieWhat are his rights? I believe he should be allowed to express himself publicly unless that right was specifically taken away. This book has been published I take it, so presumably he was within his rights.
yes, why should he be allowed to express himself publicly, he is being punished, why
should this punishment not extend itself to the right of expression.
Originally posted by robbie carrobieI am not sure if I would, from a selfish point of view, I would imagine it is not a comfortable read.
Scottish writer Ian Rankin has said of this book, that its the only book he would like to
burn. The gates of Janus is an attempt to explain why serial killers, kill. Its written by
Ian Brady, infamous in the UK for killing a number of children, with an accomplice,
Myra Hindley, in the 1960's. I would like to read it but there are so many issu ...[text shortened]... in this way. Would you read a book written by a psychopathic and remorseless
serial killer?
However there are obvious reasons why people involved in the prevention of such crimes should read it,
any insight into the motivations of such people would be useful to professionals involved in the detection and future treatment of these sadistic sociopathic criminals.
But it would be depressing to see it turning up on the best seller lists.
27 Jun 12
Originally posted by FMFI think that might be the course of wisdom, i dont think i should, i genuinely feel uneasy
Oh I see. Well don't read it then.
about it, almost like I am, well, not being complicit, but somehow choosing to be
involved in something that is questionable. would you read it without any pangs of
conscience? Maybe i am overly sensitive, i dunno.
27 Jun 12
Originally posted by FMFyes apparently he is, although i think it was banned in the UK, publishers are American
What are his rights? I believe he should be allowed to express himself publicly unless that right was specifically taken away. This book has been published I take it, so presumably he was within his rights.
and would no doubt invoke the 1st amendment.
27 Jun 12
Originally posted by kevcvs57hmmm, i have read many reviews, its not about his murders, but other serial killers
I am not sure if I would, from a selfish point of view, I would imagine it is not a comfortable read.
However there are obvious reasons why people involved in the prevention of such crimes should read it,
any insight into the motivations of such people would be useful to professionals involved in the detection and future treatment of these sadistic sociopathic criminals.
But it would be depressing to see it turning up on the best seller lists.
and why they do it, i even suspect that he attempts to provide a rational basis for it,
this is the uncomfortable part i guess.
27 Jun 12
Originally posted by robbie carrobieYes I would be able to, although I don't think I'm going to. You said something about 'somehow giving credence to his opinions merely by reading them'. This strikes me as peculiar form of self-censorship. You really think the reality - the credence - of his opinions is somehow affected by you knowing what they are?
would you read it without any pangs of conscience?
27 Jun 12
Originally posted by robbie carrobieI would defend his freedom of speech. I think that the U.K. should not ban it, based on your synopsis of what it's about. the U.S. is much stronger and much more admirable than the U.K. when it comes to freedom of speech.
yes apparently he is, although i think it was banned in the UK, publishers are American
and would no doubt invoke the 1st amendment.