Average Quote by Emma Goldman
“The average mind is slow in grasping a truth, but when the most thoroughly organized, centralized institution, maintained at an excessive national expense, has proven a complete social failure, the dullest must begin to question its right to exist. The time is past when we can be content with our social fabric merely because it is "ordained by divine right," or by the majesty of the law.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: The Social Question, 1910
Criticizing an overbearing, costly institution, she urges questioning its legitimacy and moving beyond blind obedience to authority.
In simple terms: Question costly, powerful institutions that fail society.
Key Takeaway
Challenge unjust systems.
Themes
political critique
social justice
authority
economics
Mood
critical
revolutionary
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- activist meetings
- community organizing
Key Concepts
anarchism
state power
public spending
Questions to Reflect On
- What modern institutions resemble the described failure?
- How can citizens effectively demand accountability?
A Different Perspective
Complex ideas may be oversimplified for quick consumption.
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