Amen Quote by Anthony Burgess
““I am instructed by the Home Secretary to read out the following. . . . It is a prayer devised by the Ministry of Propaganda. . . . ‘It is conceivable that the forces of death which at present are ravaging the esculent life of this planet have intelligence, in which case we beseech them to leave off. It we have done wrong--allowing in our blindness natural impulse to overcome reason--we are, of course, heartily sorry. But we submit that we have already suffered sufficiently for this wrong and we firmly resolve never to sin again. Amen.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess, 1962
A satirical prayer mocks bureaucratic attempts to control morality, suggesting humanity’s self‑destruction and the futility of forced repentance.
In simple terms: Satire on forced morality and self‑destruction.
Key Takeaway
Question authority and seek authentic ethics.
Themes
satire
morality
power
human nature
Mood
cynical
critical
Type
satirical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- education
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
bureaucracy
propaganda
existentialism
Questions to Reflect On
- What does this say about institutional control?
- Can true repentance be mandated?
A Different Perspective
Limits of imposed belief; may not inspire change.
