And Tietjens, who hated no man, in face of this…
““And Tietjens, who hated no man, in face of this simple-minded and agreeable schoolboy type of fellow, fell to wondering why it was that humanity that was next to always agreeable in its units was, as a mass, a phenomenon so hideous. You look at a dozen men, each of them not by any means detestable and not uninteresting: for each of them would have technical details of their affairs to impart: you formed them into a Government or a club, and at once, with oppressions, inaccuracies, gossip, backbiting, lying, corruption and vileness, you had the combination of wolf, tiger, weasel, and louse-covered ape that was human society. And he””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Human societies, though composed of individuals, become monstrous when combined, due to collective flaws.
In simple terms: Groups can become worse than their members.
Key Takeaway
Beware collective corruption.
Themes
society
human nature
corruption
Mood
critical
serious
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- political organization
- corporate culture
- community projects
Key Concepts
collective behavior
ethical decay
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards can prevent societal decay?
- How can individuals influence group ethics?
A Different Perspective
Not all groups are corrupt.