Historical determinism is a dangerous concept from "summary" of The Open Society and Its Enemies by Karl Raimund Popper
The belief in historical determinism, the idea that historical events are predetermined by some kind of historical law or necessity, is a dangerous one. It is dangerous because it can lead to a fatalistic attitude towards the course of history. If we believe that history is predetermined, then we may feel powerless to change it. We may resign ourselves to the idea that nothing we do can make a difference, that events will unfold as they are meant to, regardless of our actions. This kind of thinking can be especially dangerous when it is used to justify oppressive or authoritarian regimes. If those in power believe that history is on their side, that their rule is inevitable, then they may feel justified in taking extreme measures to maintain their power. They may believe that any means, no matter how ruthless or violent, are justified in order to secure the future that they believe is already written. Historical determinism can also be dangerous because it can lead to an intolerance of dissenting views or alternative ideas. If we believe that history is predetermined, then w...
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