Courses Quote by C. S. Lewis
“Don't you understand anything? Isn't it absolutely essential to keep a fierce Left and a fierce Right, both on their toes and each terrified of the other? That's how we get things done. Any opposition to the N.I.C.E. is represented as a Left racket in the Right papers and a Right racket in the Left papers. If it's properly done, you get each side outbidding the other in support of us-to refute the enemy slanders. Of course we're non-political. The real power always is.”
About This Quote
The passage argues that maintaining two hostile factions forces them to compete, which can be exploited to control narratives and suppress dissent while claiming neutrality.
In simple terms: Manipulate opposing groups to maintain power.
Key Takeaway
Control through engineered conflict.
Themes
political strategy
propaganda
division
control
non‑political façade
Mood
cynical
strategic
critical
Type
political
analytical
When to use this quote
- authoritarian regimes
- corporate lobbying
- media bias
- political campaigns
Key Concepts
power dynamics
media framing
enemy construction
Practical Applications
- strategic communications
- opposition management
Questions to Reflect On
- How does manufactured rivalry affect democratic discourse?
- What safeguards can prevent manipulation of opposing sides?
A Different Perspective
Such a strategy risks escalating conflict and eroding public trust, potentially backfiring against the orchestrators.
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