TikTok sparks debate: Are smart people still being silenced?

A recent TikTok video by Charlotte Palermino (@charlotteparler) has sparked online discussion about the historical treatment of intelligent individuals. Palermino, a licensed esthetician and co-founder, discusses her observations while reading a book about ancient civilizations. She notes that throughout history, from Athens to Rome, periods of significant societal change often involved the silencing or elimination of those deemed 'smart' or who challenged the status quo. "They kill the people that ask questions," Palermino states in her video. This observation has resonated with many viewers, prompting conversations about censorship and the suppression of dissent in various historical and modern contexts. The video's insights offer a compelling perspective on the cyclical nature of power dynamics and the importance of critical thinking.