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The more backwoodish a social group, juvenile or adult…

“The more backwoodish a social group, juvenile or adult, the stricter its conception of the normal, and the readier it will ridicule any departure from it.” quote by Arthur Koestler
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“The more backwoodish a social group, juvenile or adult, the stricter its conception of the normal, and the readier it will ridicule any departure from it.”

Arthur Koestler

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Conservative groups enforce strict norms, quickly mocking any deviation from the established standard.

In simple terms: Strict norms invite ridicule of outsiders.

Key Takeaway

Conformity fuels contempt for difference.

Themes

social conformity norms ridicule group dynamics

Mood

critical cautionary

Type

sociological observational

When to use this quote

  • school bullying
  • corporate culture
  • political movements

Key Concepts

social control in‑group bias

Practical Applications

  • encourage diverse perspectives
  • establish safe spaces for deviation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can groups protect cohesion while welcoming diversity?
  • What mechanisms reduce mockery of non‑conformists?
A Different Perspective

Excessive tolerance may dilute shared values that hold groups together.

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