Aim Quote by Anonymous
“Civilization, in fact, grows more maudlin and hysterical; especially under democracy it tends to degenerate into a mere combat of crazes; the whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed (and hence clamorous to be led to safety) by an endless series of hobgoblins, most of them imaginary. Wars are no longer waged by the will of superior men, capable of judging dispassionately and intelligently the causes behind them and the effects flowing out of them. The are now begun by first throwing a mob into a panic; they are ended only when it has spent its ferine fury.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Political Commentary, early 20th century, unknown source
Societies under democracy often manipulate fear, using imagined threats to control the public and sustain power.
In simple terms: Democracy can use fear and fake threats to control people.
Key Takeaway
Beware manipulation through fear and false crises.
Themes
politics
media
mass psychology
control
democracy
Mood
cautious
critical
skeptical
Type
analytical
critical
When to use this quote
- elections
- public speeches
- media campaigns
- policy debates
Key Concepts
propaganda
fearmongering
mob psychology
elite manipulation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you recognize manufactured crises?
- What responsibilities do leaders have to avoid fearmongering?
A Different Perspective
Fear tactics can backfire and erode trust in institutions.
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