Anarchists Quote by G.K. Chesterton
““Naturally, therefore, these people talk about 'a happy time coming'; 'the paradise of the future'; 'mankind freed from the bondage of vice and the bondage of virtue', and so on. And so also the men of the inner circle speak — the sacred priesthood. They also speak to applauding crowds of the happiness of the future, and of mankind freed at last. But in their mouths" — and the policeman lowered his voice — "in their mouths these happy phrases have a horrible meaning. They are under no illusions; they are too intellectual to think that man upon this earth can ever be quite free of original sin and the struggle. And they mean death. When they say that mankind shall be free at last, they mean that mankind shall commit suicide. When they talk of a paradise without right or wrong, they mean the grave. They have but two objects, to destroy first humanity and then themselves. That is why they throw bombs instead of firing pistols. The innocent rank and file are disappointed because the bomb has not killed the king; but the high-priesthood are happy because it has killed somebody.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Heretics, 1905
Critiques utopian promises, warning they mask death and destruction.
In simple terms: Utopian promises may hide dark outcomes.
Question idealistic visions.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- religious rhetoric
- social movements
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What hidden costs lie in perfect futures?
- How do we balance hope and realism?
Idealism can ignore practical risks.