The great masses of people do not consist of philosophers…
![“The great masses of people do not consist of philosophers; precisely for the masses, [religious] faith is often the sole foundation of a moral attitude... For the political man, the value of a religion must be estimated less by its deficiencies than by the virtue of a visibly better substitute. As…” quote by Adolf Hitler](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/3b6/adolf-hitler-253_attitude_the-great-masses-of-people-do-not-consis_1010782.jpg)
“The great masses of people do not consist of philosophers; precisely for the masses, [religious] faith is often the sole foundation of a moral attitude... For the political man, the value of a religion must be estimated less by its deficiencies than by the virtue of a visibly better substitute. As long as this appears to be lacking, what is present can be demolished only by fools or criminals.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Masses often rely on faith rather than philosophy; political leaders should assess religion by its utility, not its flaws, and replace it only when a better alternative exists.
In simple terms: People need belief; leaders judge its usefulness.
Key Takeaway
Evaluate belief systems pragmatically.
Themes
politics
faith
philosophy
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- public policy
- education reform
- community building
Key Concepts
social cohesion
ideological substitution
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it justified to replace a dominant belief?
- How can new values be introduced responsibly?
A Different Perspective
Replacing faith abruptly can cause social unrest.