Aristocracy Quote by George Bernard Shaw
“The art of government is the organization of idolatry. The bureaucracy consists of functionaries; the aristocracy, of idols; the democracy, of idolaters. The populace cannot understand the bureaucracy: it can only worship the national idols.”
About This Quote
Source Play: Man and Superman, 1903
Government structures become worship of symbols rather than service, turning officials into idols and citizens into worshippers.
In simple terms: Governance can become idol worship.
Key Takeaway
Question the symbols you serve.
Themes
politics
power
society
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- public policy
- civic engagement
- education reform
Key Concepts
idolatry
bureaucracy
aristocracy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do symbols shape authority?
- What alternatives to idol worship exist?
A Different Perspective
Critics argue bureaucracy can also enable efficient organization.
![“Mankind has failed miserably in its effort to devise a rational system of government. [...] The art of government is the exclusive possession of quacks and frauds. It has been so since the earliest days, and it will probably remain so until the end of time.” quote by H. L. Mencken](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a3e/h-l-mencken-245_art_mankind-has-failed-miserably-in-its-effo_1593851.jpg)
![“The law for religious freedom... [has]put down the aristocracy of the clergy and restored to the citizen the freedom of the mind.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/895/thomas-jefferson-43_aristocracy_the-law-for-religious-freedom-has-put-do_60865.jpg)
