Skip to content

Each man too is a tyrant in tendency, because he would…

“Each man too is a tyrant in tendency, because he would impose his idea on others; and their trick is their natural defence. Jesuswould absorb the race; but Tom Paine or the coarsest blasphemer helps humanity by resisting this exuberance of power.” quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson
Download Open image
“Each man too is a tyrant in tendency, because he would impose his idea on others; and their trick is their natural defence. Jesuswould absorb the race; but Tom Paine or the coarsest blasphemer helps humanity by resisting this exuberance of power.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

About This Quote

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

Warns that imposing one's ideas creates tyranny; suggests resistance to power as a moral good.

In simple terms: Imposing ideas creates tyranny.

Key Takeaway

Resist authoritarian impulses.

Themes

authority individualism resistance

Mood

reflective critical

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • leadership
  • education
  • social movements

Key Concepts

ethics political philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • When have you felt pressured to conform?
  • How can you balance assertiveness with humility?
A Different Perspective

May ignore need for cooperation.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Explore all 4,802 Ralph Waldo Emerson quotes

More Defence quotes

Browse all 582 Defence quotes