Apathy Quote by Abraham Flexner
“We must not overlook the role that extremists play. They are the gadflies that keep society from being too complacent.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Role of Extremists, 1910
Extremists act as societal gadflies, preventing complacency.
In simple terms: Extremists keep society alert.
Key Takeaway
Recognize value of dissent.
Themes
social change
complacency
radicalism
Mood
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- activism
- policy debate
- community organizing
Key Concepts
political theory
social dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- When does dissent become harmful?
- How can societies balance stability and challenge?
A Different Perspective
Extremism can also cause instability.
![“At no period of [Michael Faraday's] unmatched career was he interested in utility. He was absorbed in disentangling the riddles of the universe, at first chemical riddles, in later periods, physical riddles. As far as he cared, the question of utility was never raised. Any suspicion of utility…” quote by Abraham Flexner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/127/abraham-flexner-29762_careers_at-no-period-of-michael-faraday-s-unmatc_2311712.jpg)
