Attack Quote by Art Buchwald
“If you attack the establishment long enough and hard enough, they will make you a member of it.”
About This Quote
Source Column: The Washington Post, 1970s
Persistent attacks on powerful institutions can lead to co‑option, turning critics into members of the very system they oppose.
In simple terms: Fighting the system may make you part of it.
Key Takeaway
Beware of becoming what you fight.
Themes
politics
power
co‑option
Mood
cynical
thoughtful
Type
satire
political
When to use this quote
- activism
- career politics
- organizational change
- social movements
Key Concepts
institutional assimilation
activism fatigue
systemic inertia
Questions to Reflect On
- When does critique become collaboration?
- How can you stay independent while influencing change?
A Different Perspective
Resistance can be absorbed, losing original intent.
![“It is certain that every class is interested in [educational] establishments which give to the human mind its highest improvements, and to every Country its truest and most durable celebrity.” quote by James Madison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/964/james-madison-373_certain_it-is-certain-that-every-class-is-intere_22217.jpg)
![“I mean, it's not just the rappers, you know what i'm saying? People want to attack anybody that's a large figure, you know what I'm saying? They did it to [Michael] Jordan, they did it to [Mike] Tyson, they did it to Bill Cosby, you know what I'm saying? They're gonna' attack you if you on top.” quote by The Notorious B.I.G](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac8/the-notorious-b-i-g-8034_attack_i-mean-it-s-not-just-the-rappers-you-kno_27728.jpg)
