David Harvey: The Word that Swallowed Everything

This could be seen as a companion piece to “The Art of Not Deciding” which I published on 29 April 2026. That article dealt with decision paralysis. One aspect of that is fear and accompanying that is a desire to stay safe – from criticism, condemnation. Better to do nothing than do something and be criticised for it.

In this article I look at the issue of safety and the word “safe” and how that word has been weaponised.

Let me begin with a word. Not a law, not a regulation, not even a policy — just a word.

“Safe.”