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Godwin's Law

(Redirected from Godwin’s law)


GodwinsLaw CatPoster.jpg

  • Date Found: 1990
  • Used By: Forum posters, YouTube commenters, Old media
 

The longer an argument or general discussion continues, the more likely it is that a comparison will be made to either Nazis or Adolf Hitler.

What does that really mean? Well, we all know that Hitler was responsible for the Holocaust, and we all know all the atrocities and murder committed during the Holocaust. We're taught to believe it that it was one of the worst events to happen in history. That is true.

However, it's not uncommon for someone to use the Holocaust, Nazis, or Hitler as the be-all-end-all metaphor for "the worst thing ever," even if said thing is not actually related to the subject at hand. The point of this law is to show how common such comparison is made, and how it detracts from well-thought out arguments. As a matter of fact, Mike Godwin created this "rule" as a way of telling people not to casually compare things or people to Nazis.

Common usage

Commonly used after someone mentions Nazis, Hitler, or other equally bad thing in a discussion.

Example Sentences

  • Don't actually go out and point someone about Godwin's Law. It just makes you look like a jerk.