Everybody Wrong Quote by Auberon Waugh
““It is just a lonely certainty that we are right and everybody else wrong, which makes it worthwhile for us busy-bodies to go on making a nuisance of ourselves. Our job is to keep both the simple Philistine and the greedy rich in their places, to prevent them, in their stupidity and avarice, from destroying everything that is left.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Loved One, Auberon Waugh, 1975
The quote mocks self‑righteousness, suggesting that those who think they are always right justify meddling to keep society’s extremes in check.
In simple terms: Self‑righteous people claim they must intervene to stop others' excesses.
Key Takeaway
Question authority, but stay humble.
Themes
hubris
social order
elitism
Mood
cynical
wry
critical
Type
satire
social commentary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political activism
- community leadership
- media commentary
- ethical debates
Key Concepts
Moral relativism
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- Who truly benefits from labeling others as “simple” or “greedy”?
- Can we balance critique with empathy?
A Different Perspective
It assumes the speaker’s view is correct and may ignore systemic issues.
