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Attempting mischievous and salutary irritation of his…

“Attempting mischievous and salutary irritation of his peers ... Keynes may only succeed in becoming an academic idol of our worst cranks and charlatans - not to mention the possibilities of the book as the economic bible of a fascist movement.” quote by Henry Calvert Simons
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“Attempting mischievous and salutary irritation of his peers ... Keynes may only succeed in becoming an academic idol of our worst cranks and charlatans - not to mention the possibilities of the book as the economic bible of a fascist movement.”

Henry Calvert Simons

About This Quote

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

A critique that the work might become a revered text for extremist or low‑brow scholars, rather than a serious academic contribution.

In simple terms: Warns of a book becoming a cult for the worst thinkers.

Key Takeaway

Consider the ethical impact of your ideas.

Themes

ethics academia politics

Mood

critical analytical

Type

philosophical warning

When to use this quote

  • academic publishing
  • political movements
  • ideological formation

Key Concepts

cultivation of ideas intellectual responsibility extremism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What safeguards prevent extremist co‑optation of scholarship?
  • Can a work be both influential and ethically sound?
A Different Perspective

The quote assumes a deterministic link between popularity and moral quality.

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