OPPOSITION, n. In politics the party that prevents the…
“OPPOSITION, n. In politics the party that prevents the Government from running amuck by hamstringing it. The King of Ghargaroo, who had been abroad to study the science of government, appointed one hundred of his fattest subjects as members of a parliament to make laws for the collection of revenue. Forty of these he named the Party of Opposition and had his Prime Minister carefully instruct them in their duty of opposing every royal measure. Nevertheless, the first one that was submitted passed unanimously. Greatly displeased, the King vetoed it, informing the Opposition that if they did that again they would pay for their obstinacy with their heads. The entire forty promptly disemboweled themselves.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Opposition parties can be manipulated, leading to self‑destruction.
In simple terms: Opposition can be self‑defeating.
Key Takeaway
Beware of blind opposition.
Themes
politics
power
opposition
Mood
cynical
satirical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- government
- parliament
- historical satire
Key Concepts
authoritarianism
groupthink
political strategy
Questions to Reflect On
- What checks prevent opposition abuse?
- How to balance critique with cooperation?
A Different Perspective
Blind opposition may harm its own cause.