An over-scrupulous jealousy of danger to the rights of the…
“An over-scrupulous jealousy of danger to the rights of the people, which is more commonly the fault of the head than of the heart, will be represented as mere pretense and artifice, the stale bait for popularity at the expense of the public good.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Excessive fear of danger can be used to manipulate public opinion, disguising self‑interest as moral concern.
In simple terms: Fear is weaponized to hide true motives.
Key Takeaway
Question motives behind fear‑based rhetoric.
Themes
politics
manipulation
public good
ethics
Mood
critical
skeptical
Type
political
analytical
When to use this quote
- election campaigns
- policy debates
- media analysis
- activism
Key Concepts
propaganda
civic responsibility
leadership
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you differentiate genuine risk from manipulation?
- What safeguards protect public interest?
A Different Perspective
Not all fear is false; genuine threats exist.