Reactionaries Quote by Evan Esar
“Reactionary: One who wants the rules enforced so nobody can take his pile away from him the way he got it from others.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Satirical piece, 1970
Defines a reactionary as someone who enforces rules to protect personal gains, reflecting self‑interest and fear of loss.
In simple terms: A reactionary protects his own assets by imposing rules.
Key Takeaway
Beware of self‑serving rule‑making.
Themes
politics
self‑interest
fear
Mood
skeptical
analytical
Type
satirical
critical
When to use this quote
- policy drafting
- organizational governance
- social reform
- public debate
Key Concepts
power dynamics
conservatism
personal security
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do people cling to rules that benefit them?
- What alternatives exist to protect interests without oppression?
A Different Perspective
Such protectionism can stifle progress and fairness.
![“Well, there's a lot to react against![in response to the accusation that she was a reactionary]” quote by Margaret Thatcher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4df/margaret-thatcher-463_accusation_well-there-s-a-lot-to-react-against-in-r_1492105.jpg)
![“An artist must be a reactionary. He has to stand out against the tenor [group think] of the age and not go flopping along. By doing this he helps us to question and reassess our past, present and future situations, our assumptions and our options.” quote by Evelyn Waugh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4f8/evelyn-waugh-850_age_an-artist-must-be-a-reactionary-he-has-t_571484.jpg)
