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This is very weak. We should not burn books because it might hurt the feelings of authors? Surely that means it's ok to burn the books of dead authors?

The reason why we should not burn books is because

- it deprives potential readers of the benefit of reading them

- the free circulation of ideas is the cornerstone of a free society, and trying to restrict it is the beginning of tyranny

- arguments should be fought with arguments, not fire

But the feelings of authors really don't have anything to do with it. KV shouldn't have felt insulted that someone burnt his books. He should have been ashamed for the human race that anyone would burn any book (and not just his own). He should have punched the guy in the face.



this letter is a very good example of tailoring an argument to the audience.




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