Yet when the masses turn (as turn they will one day) and…
““Yet when the masses turn (as turn they will one day) and try to end the tyranny of centuries, not only the tyrants but all ‘civilisation’ holds up its hands in horror and clamours for ‘order’ to be restored. If a revolution carries high overhead expenses, most of them it inherits from the greed of reactionaries and the cowardice of the so-called moderates. Long before abolition the mischief had been done in the French colonies and it was not abolition but the refusal to abolish which had done it.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Revolutions are costly; often the elites and moderates resist change, preserving existing order.
In simple terms: Revolutions cost much and face resistance.
Key Takeaway
Recognize hidden costs and power dynamics.
Themes
politics
revolution
power
history
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
political
historical
When to use this quote
- social movements
- policy reform
- activism
Key Concepts
class struggle
colonialism
moderation
Questions to Reflect On
- Who benefits from maintaining order?
- How can change be pursued responsibly?
A Different Perspective
Revolutions can cause unintended harm.