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Bureaucracy Quote by Aldous Huxley

“A democracy which makes or even effectively prepares for modern, scientific war must necessarily cease to be democratic. No country can be really well prepared for modern war unless it is governed by a tyrant, at the head of a highly trained and perfectly obedient bureaucracy.” quote by Aldous Huxley
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“A democracy which makes or even effectively prepares for modern, scientific war must necessarily cease to be democratic. No country can be really well prepared for modern war unless it is governed by a tyrant, at the head of a highly trained and perfectly obedient bureaucracy.”

Aldous Huxley

About This Quote

Source Essay: "The Future of Democracy", 1939

Democracy cannot effectively prepare for modern war; tyranny is seen as necessary for such preparation.

In simple terms: Democracy struggles with war readiness.

Key Takeaway

Recognize limits of democratic war planning.

Themes

politics war democracy

Mood

critical analytical

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • government policy
  • defense planning
  • international relations
  • civil liberties

Key Concepts

military strategy authoritarianism ethical dilemmas

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is authoritarian efficiency worth the loss of liberty?
  • What alternatives exist for democratic war preparation?
A Different Perspective

Tyranny may erode freedoms and cause oppression.

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