Politics Quote by Eliezer Yudkowsky
““Politics is an extension of war by other means. Arguments are soldiers. Once you know which side you're on, you must support all arguments of that side, and attack all arguments that appear to favor the enemy side; otherwise it's like stabbing your soldiers in the back - providing aid and comfort to the enemy. Politics is the Mind-Killer.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Rationalist Community, 2018
Politics mirrors war, where arguments are weapons; loyalty to a side demands defending all its points and rejecting opposing ones, turning dissent into betrayal.
In simple terms: Politics is like war with arguments as soldiers.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the danger of blind partisanship.
Themes
politics
war metaphor
partisanship
argumentation
psychology
Mood
critical
skeptical
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- campaign strategy
- public debate
- policy formation
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
groupthink
ethical reasoning
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you ever question the arguments of your own side?
- How can constructive criticism be encouraged?
A Different Perspective
Blind loyalty can suppress truth and healthy dissent.
![“[Politics] is always a means of conquering others and exercising power over them.” quote by Jacques Ellul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a5b/jacques-ellul-4407_anarchy_politics-is-always-a-means-of-conquering_548176.jpg)
