Able Quote by H. L. Mencken
“Capitalism under democracy has a further advantage: its enemies, even when it is attacked, are scattered and weak, and it is usually easily able to array one half of them against the other half, and thus dispose of both.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The American Language, 1912
Democracy can use its own political competition to weaken and divide opponents, making them easier to control.
In simple terms: Democracy can turn enemies against each other.
Leverage internal divisions.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- elections
- legislative negotiations
- party politics
- international relations
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Is division a sustainable political tool?
- What are the ethical limits of exploiting dissent?
Such tactics can erode democratic norms and foster cynicism.