History Quote by Gene Wolfe
““I am not here to answer your questions. To answer would imply that we conceded some slight possibility of truth to your assertions of innocence, and we do not concede that. Truth is something which is to be had from us, not from you. Ours is the most remarkable government in the history of mankind; because we, and only we, have accepted as a working principle what every sage has taught and every government has feigned to accept: the power of the truth. And because we do, we rule as no other government has ever ruled. You have often asked me what your crime is, why we detain you. It is because we know you are lying—do you understand what I am telling you?””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Book of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe, 1980
The speaker claims exclusive authority over truth, denying any external validation and justifying authoritarian rule as uniquely truthful.
In simple terms: Only the speaker can define truth, so they control power.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the danger of absolute authority over truth.
Themes
authority
truth
power
control
politics
Mood
cautious
critical
skeptical
Type
political
philosophical
warning
When to use this quote
- legal interrogation
- political discourse
- media interviews
- academic debate
Key Concepts
philosophy
political theory
epistemology
Questions to Reflect On
- Who decides what is true?
- How does this view affect justice?
A Different Perspective
Truth claims can be contested; power may be abused.
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