Decline of religion

[Ahriman]

Since the old way of outright insulting people wasn't working out, pagans had to refine their technique, they had to find a way to be more clever and subtle with their shit talking.

Do you really equate insults and shit talking with violence?!?

In a way, I think insults and shit talking can be considered a form of violence, when perceived by the recipient as a personal attack.