Don't you know yet, he said, that an idle and selfish…
““Don't you know yet, he said, that an idle and selfish class loves to see mischief being made, even if it is made at its own expense? Its own life being all a matter of pose and gesture, it is unable to realize the power and the danger of a real movement and of words that have no sham meaning. It is all fun and sentiment. It is sufficient, for instance, to point out the attitude of the old French aristocracy towards the philosophers whose words were preparing the Great Revolution. Even in England, where you have some common-sense, a demagogue has only to shout loud enough and long enough to find some backing in the very class he is shouting at. You, too, like to see mischief being made. The demagogue carries the amateurs of emotion with him. Amateurism in this, that, and the other thing is a delightfully easy way of killing time, and feeding one's own vanity--the silly vanity of being abreast with the ideas of the day after to-morrow. Just as good and otherwise harmless people will join you in ecstasies over your collection without having the slightest notion in what its marvellousness really consists. [The informer]””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
People who are idle and selfish enjoy chaos for their own amusement, failing to grasp the true power of serious movements and meaningful words.
In simple terms: Idle people love mischief but miss real impact.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and challenge superficial amusement.
Themes
powerism
selfishness
political manipulation
intellectual laziness
Mood
skeptical
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- Political rallies
- online debates
- media consumption
- activist meetings
Key Concepts
Social critique
human nature
political theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How does idle amusement hinder societal progress?
- What responsibilities do individuals have to seek deeper understanding?
A Different Perspective
Such groups may also be manipulated by charismatic leaders, limiting genuine change.