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All political movements are like this - we are in the…

“All political movements are like this - we are in the right, everyone else is in the wrong. The people on our own side who disagree with us are heretics, and they start becoming enemies. With it comes an absolute conviction of your own moral superiority. There's oversimplification in everything…” quote by Doris Lessing
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“All political movements are like this - we are in the right, everyone else is in the wrong. The people on our own side who disagree with us are heretics, and they start becoming enemies. With it comes an absolute conviction of your own moral superiority. There's oversimplification in everything, and a terror of flexibility.”

Doris Lessing

About This Quote

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

Political groups claim absolute moral right, labeling dissenters as enemies, which creates rigidity and fear of flexibility.

In simple terms: Groups see themselves as always right.

Key Takeaway

Promote humility and dialogue.

Themes

politics dogmatism groupthink

Mood

analytical critical

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • campaigns
  • debates
  • policy formation
  • community meetings

Key Concepts

moral superiority in‑group bias polarization

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can dissent be welcomed?
  • What mechanisms reduce moral absolutism?
A Different Perspective

May oversimplify complex issues.

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