--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Sycophancy toward those who hold power is…" description: "\"Sycophancy toward those who hold power is a fact in every regime, and especially in a democracy, where, unlike tyranny, there is an accepted principle ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cb7/allan-bloom-4105_accepted_sycophancy-toward-those-who-hold-power-i_2985768.png" --- # Sycophancy toward those who hold power is a fact in every… ![“Sycophancy toward those who hold power is a fact in every regime, and especially in a democracy, where, unlike tyranny, there is an accepted principle of legitimacy that breaks the inner will to resist… Flattery of the people and incapacity to resist public opinion are the democratic vices…” quote by Allan Bloom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cb7/allan-bloom-4105_accepted_sycophancy-toward-those-who-hold-power-i_2985768.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cb7/allan-bloom-4105_accepted_sycophancy-toward-those-who-hold-power-i_2985768.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cb7/allan-bloom-4105_accepted_sycophancy-toward-those-who-hold-power-i_2985768.png) > “Sycophancy toward those who hold power is a fact in every regime, and especially in a democracy, where, unlike tyranny, there is an accepted principle of legitimacy that breaks the inner will to resist… Flattery of the people and incapacity to resist public opinion are the democratic vices, particularly among writers, artists, journalists and anyone else who is dependent on an audience.” [Allan Bloom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/allan-bloom/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. People in democracies often flatter those in power and avoid resisting public opinion, especially when they depend on audiences. **In simple terms:** Flattery and fear of public opinion hinder resistance in democracy. Key Takeaway Challenge complacency and speak truth despite audience pressure. Themes democracy power flattery media conformity Mood critical reflective Type analytical inspirational When to use this quote - journalists - artists - politicians - public speakers - activists Key Concepts political psychology social pressure legitimacy Questions to Reflect On - How does audience dependence shape your viewpoints? - What risks do you face when opposing popular opinion? A Different Perspective Even in democracy, power structures can suppress dissent through social expectations. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Artist](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/artist/) [Audience](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/audience/) [Democracy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/democracy/) [Facts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/facts/) [Flattery](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/flattery/) [Integrity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/integrity/) [Journalist](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/journalist/) [Legitimacy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/legitimacy/) [Opinion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/opinion/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [Power](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/power/) [Principles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/principles/) [Public opinion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/public-opinion/) [Tyranny](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/tyranny/) [Vices](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/vices/) ## Related quotes > [“When people in authority want the rest of us to behave, it matters - first and foremost - how they behave. 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Hobbes: What? Calvin: The strength to change what I can, the inability to accept what I can't, and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-watterson/calvin-know-what-i-pray-for-hobbes-what-calvin-the-strength-to-change/) [Bill Watterson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-watterson/) > [It is the cult of self that is killing the United States. This cult has within it the classic traits of psychopaths: superficial charm,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-hedges/it-is-the-cult-of-self-that-is-killing-the-united-states-this-cult/) [Chris Hedges](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-hedges/) > [Closed some doors, not because of pride, incapacity or arrogance, but simply because they no longer lead somewhere.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frenz-jeffrey/closed-some-doors-not-because-of-pride-incapacity-or-arrogance-but/) [Frenz Jeffrey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frenz-jeffrey/) > [ \[The Community's\] crosses and trials give me confidence. 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