Clear Quote by Akbar Ganji
“There are varieties of theories of revolution. According to one of these theories, only one of these theories, revolutions occur when there is an explosion of rising expectation. And amongst the lower strata in Iranian society, we are witnessing an increasing rise of the expectation and it's clear that the regime is incapable of satisfying these demands.”
About This Quote
Source Article: The Iranian Revolution and Social Expectations, 2005
Revolutionary fervor rises when public expectations outpace a regime’s ability to meet them, especially among lower classes.
In simple terms: Expectations explode, leading to revolt when governments can’t deliver.
Key Takeaway
Address unmet societal needs to prevent upheaval.
Themes
politics
revolution
expectation
social unrest
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
political
theoretical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- grassroots movements
- economic reforms
- public discourse
Key Concepts
political theory
economic disparity
public sentiment
Questions to Reflect On
- What policies could lower expectations?
- How can governments better gauge public needs?
A Different Perspective
Ignoring rising expectations can deepen instability.
![“What I'm worried about is that, in case that happens [nuclear explosion], then the Iranian people are the ones who are going to pay the heaviest price. But none of the Western countries have seriously talked about this.” quote by Akbar Ganji](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/978/akbar-ganji-14195_cases_what-i-m-worried-about-is-that-in-case-t_1213577.jpg)
![“The issue has two dimensions. One is the legal dimension and the other one is the issue at the realpolitik. [In the] legal realm, we believe in equal rights for all people in all nations. If Israel, the United States, Russia, Pakistan, other countries, China, have the right to have a nuclear…” quote by Akbar Ganji](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/dd4/akbar-ganji-14195_believe_the-issue-has-two-dimensions-one-is-the_251103.jpg)
![“[In] every revolution, there is a great divergence between what the revolutionaries expect and what the revolution actually accomplishes.” quote by Akbar Ganji](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ffb/akbar-ganji-14195_accomplish_in-every-revolution-there-is-a-great-div_299335.jpg)
![“The number of the opposition has certainly increased [in Iran]. There is more disgruntlement, but because there is no media, the voice of this opposition is not heard outside Iran.” quote by Akbar Ganji](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/686/akbar-ganji-14195_heard_the-number-of-the-opposition-has-certain_881076.jpg)
![“We have no clear ideas of the agency of [demonic] spirits, nor is it necessary. The Scripture says little to satisfy our curiosity; but tells us plainly that he is always watching us, and desiring to sift us as wheat. I believe we give him no more than his due, when we charge him with having a…” quote by John Newton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c75/john-newton-6629_abundance_we-have-no-clear-ideas-of-the-agency-of_2907.jpg)
![“I can't imagine that I would be asked that by the president-elect [Donald Trump], or then-president [Barack Obama]. But it's - I'm very clear. I voted for the change that put the Army Field Manual in place as a member of Congress. I understand that law very, very quickly and am also deeply aware…” quote by James Mattis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/761/james-mattis-9515_army_i-can-t-imagine-that-i-would-be-asked-th_3990.jpg)