Grifters, cynics, and true believers: The family tree of vaccine opponents
A new book explores the historical roots of vaccine opposition, categorizing opponents into three groups: true believers, grifters, and cynics. The author, Thomas Levenson, discusses how anti-vaccine sentiments have persisted since the early 18th century, often framed as moral or natural arguments against vaccination. Despite the proven benefits of vaccines in preventing infectious diseases, misconceptions continue to fuel skepticism and resistance.
- ▪Stanley Plotkin, a key figure in vaccine development, expressed regret over the current state of vaccine acceptance.
- ▪Thomas Levenson's book, 'A Pox on Fools,' categorizes vaccine opponents into true believers, grifters, and cynics.
- ▪Historical arguments against vaccines date back to the 18th century, often framed as moral objections to interfering with divine will.
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| Original publisher | Ars Technica |
| Canonical URL | https://arstechnica.com/science/2026/05/grifters-cynics-and-true-believers-the-family-tree-of-vaccine-opponents/ |
| Publication time | Sat, 30 May 2026 19:13:49 +0000 |
| Retrieval time | 2026-05-30T19:29:44.116Z |
| Last seen | 2026-05-30T19:29:44.116Z |
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Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
The cynics are making me cynical Grifters, cynics, and true believers: The family tree of vaccine opponents A new book looks into the long history of people who have opposed vaccines. Diana Gitig – May 30, 2026 7:00 am | 87 Credit: Penguin Randomhouse Credit: Penguin Randomhouse Text settings Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only Learn more Minimize to nav Stanley Plotkin, 93, was instrumental in developing a number of vaccines over the course of his career. He recently said that he’s “beginning to regret having lived so long—because we’re going downhill.” How could we possibly have gotten here? Maybe we’ve always been here.
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