Arretu
Arretu t1_jeatex6 wrote
Reply to comment by Culverin in Russian secret service seizes Wall Street Journal journalist who wrote about Wagner Group by 9lobaldude
>Does that make him brave or stupid?
I think that's something that is almost inevitably in the eye of the beholder at the time, and at the whims of history later.
Arretu t1_jeaks70 wrote
Reply to comment by RushingTech in Russian secret service seizes Wall Street Journal journalist who wrote about Wagner Group by 9lobaldude
The dude has been living in Moscow for 6 years.
Those 2017 WSJ bastards!
Arretu t1_jeavhcj wrote
Reply to comment by HeyImGilly in Russian secret service seizes Wall Street Journal journalist who wrote about Wagner Group by 9lobaldude
To elaborate, I personally see his actions as inherently brave. He must have had an understanding of the risks involved, and chose to do it anyway based on his beliefs.
If I were in his shoes, and not being as socially-minded as he clearly is, it would be a stupid decision to make. I honestly value mine and my wife's well being above the entire rest of humanity. Making the choice he did would be counter-productive to what I want, and therefore stupid. I am sure he weighed up his responsibilities and moral imperatives and came to the best decision he could, and I frankly don't have the balls to call someone like that stupid.
All that aside, bravery is not a trait that is in any way related to ethics or morality. A terrorist can be brave. The ability to overcome situational fear and act (which is generally what ends up being called bravery) is a useful trait, and can be used for good. That doesn't mean it is always used for good. Bravery can be selfish - if you overcome fear to do something for your benefit at the cost of others, that's still bravery.
In my eyes, this guy did not only make a brave choice. He made a positive moral choice, too. That earns a lot of respect, in my eyes, geopolitical consequences be damned.