fantastic yet sobering analysis and commentary by Topher Field, interviewed by John Campbell  --- ## SUMMARY In this interview, Topher Field discusses his book "Good People Break Bad Laws," which explores the concept of civil disobedience in the modern age. He examines the historical context of civil disobedience and its relevance today, particularly in relation to government overreach during events like COVID-19 lockdowns. Field also delves into broader societal issues including the influence of environmentalism as a movement, the psychological impacts of lockdowns, and the future challenges to personal freedom and expression. ## IDEAS 1. Civil disobedience is often recognized as positive historically but is challenging to identify and justify in real-time due to societal norms and legal constraints. 2. The book "Good People Break Bad Laws" aims to define what constitutes a 'bad law' through utilitarian and principles-based tests. 3. Modern protests against perceived governmental overreach, such as COVID-19 lockdowns, often blur lines between legitimate protest and anarchy. 4. The psychological impact of lockdowns provided some individuals with a sense of belonging and purpose, significantly affecting their support for such measures despite potential negative consequences. 5. The environmental movement has shifted from specific ecological concerns to broader anti-human sentiments where human detriment is seen as environmentally beneficial. 6. Field suggests that contemporary society shows signs of reverting to historical norms where sacrifices (human or otherwise) are justified for greater goods, such as environmental health or societal safety. 7. The rise of digital surveillance and control by governments poses significant threats to individual freedoms and privacy. 8. The importance of preparing oneself for moral and ethical decisions in adverse situations is highlighted, promoting resilience against pressures to conform to unjust laws or regulations. 9. The role of ordinary people in resisting governmental overreach through informed dissent and peaceful protest is emphasized as crucial for maintaining democratic values. 10. Field discusses the potential future scenarios where governments might impose more stringent controls under various pretexts, including environmental crises. ## QUOTES 1. "Civil disobedience in the modern age is much more difficult for people to recognize properly." 2. "A bad law is one that fails both utilitarian and principles-based tests." 3. "The limits of government power are defined by the limits of the people's obedience." 4. "We need more ordinary people willing to make courageous decisions to do what is right, even when the government is wrong." 5. "Environmentalism has morphed into a death cult... viewing death as one of the solutions." 6. "Lockdowns were yet another example of people trying to centralize power and take control over our lives." 7. "If we had a lot more people willing, ready, and able to do what I did... then the suffering of six and a half million Victorians would have been cut much shorter." 8. "All we did was make the courageous decision to do what was right, even when our government was wrong." 9. "The psychological impact of lockdowns provided some individuals with a sense of belonging and purpose." 10. "We are seeing a resurgence of essentially death cults." ## HABITS 1. Regularly assesses personal vulnerabilities that might compel him to compromise his values. 2. Engages in public speaking and activism to educate others about civil liberties and personal responsibility. 3. Practices consistent reflection on historical examples of civil disobedience to inform current practices. 4. Maintains an active presence in media and online platforms to disseminate his views on governance and ethics. 5. Advocates for proactive community engagement to resist governmental overreach. ## FACTS 1. During COVID-19 lockdowns, Melbourne implemented some of the strictest measures globally, leading to significant public unrest and protests. 2. Historical examples like August Landmesser's refusal to salute in Nazi Germany serve as powerful symbols of individual resistance against oppressive regimes. 3. Psychological studies suggest that crises can lead individuals to find fulfillment in actions endorsed by authority figures, even if those actions are against their previous beliefs or interests. 4. Governments increasingly use digital surveillance tools under the guise of public safety, raising concerns about privacy and personal freedoms. 5. Environmental movements have shifted focus from specific ecological goals to broader agendas that may include anti-human sentiments. ## REFERENCES 1. Good People Break Bad Laws (Book by Topher Field) 2. Battle Ground Melbourne (Documentary) 3. Science and Public Policy: The Virtuous Corruption of Virtual Environmental Science (Book by Professor Ainsley Kellow) ## RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Individuals should regularly evaluate their dependencies and potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited by authoritative demands. 2. Engage in peaceful protests and civic activities that challenge unjust laws without resorting to violence or anarchy. 3. Educate oneself on historical instances of civil disobedience to better understand its implications and applications today. 4. Support transparency in government actions and advocate for clear checks against misuse of power. 5. Foster community discussions about the balance between public safety measures (like lockdowns) and individual freedoms.