Als Quote by Christopher Hitchens
“Heroism breaks its heart, and idealism its back, on the intransigence of the credulous and the mediocre, manipulated by the cynical and the corrupt.”
About This Quote
Idealism and heroism are crushed by naive and mediocre people, who are manipulated by cynical, corrupt forces.
In simple terms: Naïve and mediocre people let cynics corrupt idealism and heroism.
Key Takeaway
Guard against naiveté and corruption.
Themes
idealism
heroism
corruption
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- activism
- leadership
- social movements
Key Concepts
political theory
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards protect idealism from cynicism?
- How can heroes stay true amid manipulation?
A Different Perspective
It may overgeneralize and ignore genuine altruism.
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