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The person who imagined that he could not be the victim of…

“The person who imagined that he could not be the victim of propaganda because he could distinguish truth from falsehood, is extremely susceptible to propaganda, because when propaganda does tell the truth, he is then convinced that it is no longer propaganda: moreover, his self-confidence makes…” quote by Jacques Ellul
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“The person who imagined that he could not be the victim of propaganda because he could distinguish truth from falsehood, is extremely susceptible to propaganda, because when propaganda does tell the truth, he is then convinced that it is no longer propaganda: moreover, his self-confidence makes him all the more vulnerable to attacks of which he is unaware.”

Jacques Ellul

About This Quote

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

Believing one can fully discern truth makes one vulnerable, because propaganda can embed truth, blinding the confident.

In simple terms: Overconfidence in truth detection invites manipulation.

Key Takeaway

Question assumptions about media literacy.

Themes

propaganda truth confidence vulnerability critical thinking

Mood

skeptical reflective

Type

educational philosophical

When to use this quote

  • news consumption
  • education
  • public policy
  • media analysis

Key Concepts

Cognitive bias information warfare self‑deception

Questions to Reflect On

  • What signs indicate hidden agendas?
  • How can we improve collective media literacy?
A Different Perspective

Even truth‑laden messages can be manipulative, so vigilance is always needed.

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