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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.” quote by Eric Hoffer
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“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.”

Eric Hoffer

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.

Key Takeaway

Avoid over‑bureaucratizing; empower workers.

Themes

bureaucracy power efficiency

Mood

critical analytical

Type

political social observational

When to use this quote

  • government planning
  • corporate management
  • non‑profit organizations

Key Concepts

social hierarchy resource allocation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does excessive oversight affect morale?
  • What alternatives to hierarchical supervision exist?
A Different Perspective

Over‑supervision can stifle creativity and slow decision‑making.

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