The astronaut Scott Kelly has just provided the world with another salutary lesson on social media. The other day, Mr. Kelly chose to make a public intervention on Twitter relating to magnanimity and victory. Unfortunately, in doing so he quoted Winston Churchill.

One of the greatest leaders of modern times, Sir Winston Churchill said, “in victory, magnanimity.” I guess those days are over. — Scott Kelly (@StationCDRKelly) October 7, 2018

Which only showed that Mr. Kelly is clearly not up to speed on the mores of our time. For although it is true that Winston Churchill more than anyone else was responsible for defeating fascism in the last century, he also held a couple of views of which most people today would disapprove. It is also the case that some things that Churchill did do not look so good in hindsight. This is unlike the actions of most people on Twitter, who would not only be able to defeat fascism anytime you liked but could totally do so while also holding views — and performing actions — which would be deemed impeccable for all time. Truly we are blessed that this generation of people have come along.


Mr. Kelly then made a second error. For having been “flamed” on social media, he promptly apologized, apparently unaware that these mobs do not accept apologies and only cease once they have ripped the very last piece of flesh from their latest target. In this case while furiously googling “Bengal famine.” Anyhow, Mr. Kelly promised to correct his error by educating himself (or “reeducating” himself) on the “atrocities and racist views” of Winston Churchill. An announcement which in turn enraged another righteously indignant mob. This one — with more cause — on the side of Winston Churchill. Of course, the lessons of social media should have taught a different course of action. These lessons now include: Never apologize, never concede, only surge inhumanly forward. And what long-term consequences could there be from that collective course of action? For my part, if I had had Mr. Kelly’s ear, I would simply have whispered a single course of instruction: Keep your own feet on the ground. It’s this whole generation who are space cadets.