Communist Quote by Eric Hoffer
“The ratio between supervisory and producing personnel is always highest where the intellectuals are in power. In a Communist country it takes half the population to supervise the other half.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The True Believer, Eric Hoffer, 1951
When intellectuals dominate, they create many overseers, leading to inefficient bureaucracy and wasted human resources.
In simple terms: Intellectuals in power cause excess supervision.
Avoid over‑bureaucratizing; empower workers.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- government planning
- corporate management
- non‑profit organizations
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does excessive oversight affect morale?
- What alternatives to hierarchical supervision exist?
Over‑supervision can stifle creativity and slow decision‑making.