Adults Quote by Arthur Koestler
“The more backwoodish a social group, juvenile or adult, the stricter its conception of the normal, and the readier it will ridicule any departure from it.”
About This Quote
Conservative groups enforce strict norms, quickly mocking any deviation from the established standard.
In simple terms: Strict norms invite ridicule of outsiders.
Key Takeaway
Conformity fuels contempt for difference.
Themes
social conformity
norms
ridicule
group dynamics
Mood
critical
cautionary
Type
sociological
observational
When to use this quote
- school bullying
- corporate culture
- political movements
Key Concepts
social control
in‑group bias
Practical Applications
- encourage diverse perspectives
- establish safe spaces for deviation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can groups protect cohesion while welcoming diversity?
- What mechanisms reduce mockery of non‑conformists?
A Different Perspective
Excessive tolerance may dilute shared values that hold groups together.
![“He [an earnest young reporter] seemed to share the view of many intelligent, well-educated, well-meaning people that, while adult literature may aim to be art, the object of children's books is to whip the little rascals into shape.” quote by Katherine Paterson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2cf/katherine-paterson-2365_adults_he-an-earnest-young-reporter-seemed-to-s_6101.jpg)
