The conservative has but little to fear from the man whose…
“The conservative has but little to fear from the man whose reason is the servant of his passions, but let him beware of him in whom reason has become the greatest and most terrible of the passions. These are the wreckers of outworn empires and civilisations, doubters, disintegrators, deicides.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Reason can become a dangerous passion when it dominates, leading to the destruction of old orders and moral decay.
In simple terms: Reason can be a harmful passion.
Key Takeaway
Beware of reason without balance.
Themes
philosophy
politics
ethics
power
civilization
Mood
cautionary
thought‑provoking
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- political leadership
- ideological movements
- social reform
- technological advancement
Key Concepts
philosophy
political theory
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies balance reason and passion?
- What safeguards prevent reason from becoming oppressive?
A Different Perspective
Reason alone may ignore compassion and context.