Ambitious Quote by Benjamin Disraeli
“No government can be long secure without a formidable opposition. It reduces their supporters to that tractable number which can be managed by the joint influences of fruition and hope. It offers vengeance to the discontented, and distinction to the ambitious; and employs the energies of aspiring spirits, who otherwise may prove traitors in a division or assassins in a debate.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: House of Commons, 1868
A strong opposition is essential for political stability; it channels dissent into constructive energy and prevents tyranny.
In simple terms: Opposition sustains democracy.
Support healthy political debate.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- elections
- policy debates
- civil activism
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can dissent be constructive?
- What safeguards prevent opposition from destabilizing?
Opposition can become obstructionist.