Under the pressure of fanaticism, and with the mob…
“Under the pressure of fanaticism, and with the mob complacently applauding the show, democratic law tends more and more to be grounded upon the maxim that every citizen is, by nature, a traitor, a libertine, and a scoundrel. In order to dissuade him from his evil-doing the police power is extended until it surpasses anything ever heard of in the oriental monarchies of antiquity.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
When mob mentality and fanaticism dominate, democracy erodes, treating citizens as inherent threats and justifying extreme police power.
In simple terms: Democracy can crumble under fear and mob applause, leading to oppressive authority.
Key Takeaway
Guard democratic principles against fear‑driven oppression.
Themes
democracy
mob mentality
authoritarianism
civil liberties
power abuse
Mood
cautious
critical
somber
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political rallies
- public protests
- law enforcement expansions
- media manipulation
Key Concepts
social contract
political theory
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- How does public applause legitimize oppressive measures?
- What safeguards can prevent democracy from treating citizens as traitors?
A Different Perspective
Even with safeguards, fear can still be exploited by leaders.