Assuming Quote by Adrienne Rich
“We assume that politicians are without honor. We read their statements trying to crack the code. The scandals of their politics: not so much that men in high places lie, only that they do so with such indifference, so endlessly, still expecting to be believed. We are accustomed to the contempt inherent in the political lie.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Politics of Language” (1975)
Political statements often betray indifference, making truth hard to discern.
In simple terms: Politicians lie with indifference, eroding trust.
Key Takeaway
Question sources critically and demand accountability.
Themes
politics
trust
honor
Mood
skeptical
reflective
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- voting
- public discourse
- media consumption
Key Concepts
media literacy
critical thinking
civic engagement
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you verify political claims?
- What role does indifference play in public trust?
A Different Perspective
Truth can be obscured by repeated falsehoods.
