They [intellectuals] coined most of the slogans that…
![“They [intellectuals] coined most of the slogans that guided the butcheries of Bolshevism, Fascism, and Nazism. Intellectuals extolling the delights of murder, writers advocating censorship, philosophers judging the merits of thinkers and authors, not according to the value of their contributions…” quote by Ludwig von Mises](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/316/ludwig-von-mises-364_achievement_they-intellectuals-coined-most-of-the-sl_1301761.jpg)
“They [intellectuals] coined most of the slogans that guided the butcheries of Bolshevism, Fascism, and Nazism. Intellectuals extolling the delights of murder, writers advocating censorship, philosophers judging the merits of thinkers and authors, not according to the value of their contributions but according to their achievements on battlefields, are the spiritual leaders of our age of perpetual strife.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Intellectuals often legitimize violence by praising it, turning moral judgment into battlefield accolades, thus becoming spiritual leaders of perpetual conflict
In simple terms: Intellectuals can glorify violence, shaping society's moral compass
Key Takeaway
Beware of praising power over principle
Themes
politics
ethics
intellectual responsibility
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
analytical
political
When to use this quote
- academic discourse
- media commentary
- policy making
- public debate
Key Concepts
moral relativism
political ideology
propaganda
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibility do thinkers have for societal outcomes?
- Can intellectual critique prevent conflict?
A Different Perspective
Intellectuals may also champion peace, showing the duality of influence