Are you familiar with the set expressions that evolve with human society? In fact, there are many of them, but we will consider only one - "seditious thought." This phrase is inherent in the past era. It is even included in literary works to emphasize the flavor of the nineteenth century. But even today, some people will not fail to show off their erudition, sometimes confusing the listener. In order not to be in the unenviable position of an ignoramus, let's look at what seditious thoughts mean.
On the politics of the past
To understand what the phrase "seditious thought" means, one should plunge into the era of the formation of capitalism. Surely everyone has watched at least one film or book about this period. Dissatisfaction with the existing order has matured in society. Before democracy in Russia was still very far away. The tsarist secret police followed the leaders of the social movement and threw suspicious ones into prison. The government tried to protect itself. And the ideas that agitate the population, mostly workers, supporting the desire to change the system, to make it more just, are called seditious. That is, it is rebellious,revolutionary, rebellious thoughts. They differ in that they do not fit into generally accepted political rules, they call on the people to destroy the framework and build a different system.
Seditious thought, as a rule, was a secret or conspiracy. It was passed on in secret, only they tried to notify "the whole world." From the history of our country, we know that the rebellious spirit surprisingly quickly took possession of the masses and led to a revolution. It can, therefore, be said that seditious thought is characterized by the speed of spreading or the speed of mastering the minds. But, most likely, this is due to the timeliness of her appearance in society.
Another meaning of the phrase
So far we have considered our expression from the point of view of the distributors of rebellious ideas. But there was also the “Okhranka”, that is, power. Its representatives also called the ideas seditious, but put a different meaning into their words. The bearers of revolutionary ideas broke the law. For a supporter of the current regime, this seemed like a crime at the time. For them, the phrase was abusive. "Seditious" meant criminal, illegal, destructive, dangerous, and the like. That is, the meaning of our expression depends on the worldview of the one who uses it. It emphasizes the attitude of the speaker to the existing order of things and speaks of the desire to support or break it. Sedition is a turmoil, a rebellion, a struggle against the system in the political sense. The bearers of such ideas are condemned in society, although they are of genuine interest to certain groups.
Seditious thought: meaning in the modern world
We have considered the historical aspect of our expression. But it is still used today, and not always in connection with revolutionary events. For example, in social networks, you can see communities whose names include the expression under study. What is meant by this? Unless the people communicating within the limits of these groups wish power overthrow? Not at all necessary. They call themselves seditious to emphasize disagreement with certain established, generally accepted rules. That is, they want to look like rebels, but outside the framework of political life. These days, "seditious" means "out of bounds."
Society constantly restricts the individual. This is a natural process that helps maintain peace and tranquility. But not everyone is willing to give up some ideas or principles to please everyone. They are considered seditious, rebels, seeking to blow up the foundations. It should be noted that these people do not always, and maybe never, break the law. They do not fit the traditions and accepted rules of behavior against which they rebel.
Conclusion
Seditious is a thought that disturbs the public, forcing them to critically evaluate existing generally accepted norms and laws.
