When the doctrine of allegiance to party can utterly…
“When the doctrine of allegiance to party can utterly up-end a man's moral constitution and make a temporary fool of him besides, what excuse are you going to offer for preaching it, teaching it, extending it, perpetuating it? Shall you say, the best good of the country demands allegiance to party? Shall you also say it demands that a man kick his truth and his conscience into the gutter, and become a mouthing lunatic, besides?”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Blind loyalty to a party can corrupt morality, forcing people to betray truth and conscience.
In simple terms: Party allegiance can erode personal ethics.
Key Takeaway
Question authority when it conflicts with conscience.
Themes
politics
ethics
integrity
Mood
critical
skeptical
provocative
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- voting decisions
- activism
- workplace politics
- public discourse
- education
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
political psychology
conformity
Questions to Reflect On
- Is it ever justified to support a cause despite moral doubts?
- How do you reconcile personal values with group pressure?
A Different Perspective
Blind loyalty may be socially reinforced, making dissent risky.