Intelligence Quote by Bertrand Russell
““The utility of information is admitted practically as well as theoretically; without a literate population a modern State is impossible. But the utility of intelligence is admitted only theoretically, not practically; it is not desired that ordinary people should think for themselves, because it is felt that people who think for themselves are awkward to manage and cause administrative difficulties. Only the guardians, in Plato’s language, are to think; the rest are to obey, or to follow leaders like a herd of sheep.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Essays on Education, 1925
Societies value information but often suppress independent thought, favoring obedience over critical intelligence.
In simple terms: Info is valued, intelligence is not.
Key Takeaway
Encourage critical thinking.
Themes
education
authority
control
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- schools
- government policy
- media literacy
- public discourse
Key Concepts
critical thinking
political theory
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do leaders fear independent thinkers?
- What systems can protect free thought?
A Different Perspective
Practical implementation of widespread critical thinking faces resistance from entrenched power structures.
![“If the State does not acquire supremacy over [vast private] enterprises, it becomes their puppet, and they become the real State.” quote by Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bad/bertrand-russell-69_acquire_if-the-state-does-not-acquire-supremacy_1379.jpg)
