Conviction Quote by Ernst Hanfstaengl
“Democracy has no convictions for which people would be willing to stake their lives.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Unknown, early 20th century political commentary
Democracy lacks deeply held beliefs that inspire people to sacrifice their lives.
In simple terms: Democracy often lacks passionate convictions.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and cultivate core values.
Themes
politics
values
commitment
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political activism
- voter engagement
- civil discourse
Key Concepts
social contract
civic duty
Questions to Reflect On
- What belief could you rally around?
- How can societies foster shared convictions?
A Different Perspective
People may still act out of fear or convenience despite lacking convictions.
![“It is probably not true to say that there was a physical homosexual relationship between [Rudolf Hess and Hitler] but the attraction was there.” quote by Ernst Hanfstaengl](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5d7/ernst-hanfstaengl-38129_attraction_it-is-probably-not-true-to-say-that-ther_168596.jpg)
![“Hitler's historical hero had always been Frederick the Great. [Later], under Goebbels' prompting ... Napoleon emerged ... as his model. … Frederick the Great was a man who knew when to stop [and] Napoleon did not.” quote by Ernst Hanfstaengl](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/387/ernst-hanfstaengl-38129_goebbels_hitler-s-historical-hero-had-always-been_876378.jpg)
![“Beneath everything else, North and West, there ran a profound, unvoiced, almost subconscious conviction that the [American] nation was going to go on growing-in size, in power, in everything a man could think of-and in that belief there was a might and a fury that would take form instantly at the…” quote by Bruce Catton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a3c/bruce-catton-15493_belief_beneath-everything-else-north-and-west-t_10801.jpg)
