Skip to content

Deceiving Quote by H. L. Mencken

“The extortions and oppressions of government will go on so long as such bare fraudulence deceives and disarms the victims; so long as they are ready to swallow the immemorial official theory that protesting against the stealings of the archbishop's secretary's nephew's mistress' illegitimate son…” quote by H. L. Mencken
Download Open image
“The extortions and oppressions of government will go on so long as such bare fraudulence deceives and disarms the victims; so long as they are ready to swallow the immemorial official theory that protesting against the stealings of the archbishop's secretary's nephew's mistress' illegitimate son is a sin against the Holy Ghost.”

H. L. Mencken

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Dangers of Government Deception, 1927

Government oppression persists when citizens are misled and accept false narratives, even absurd ones.

In simple terms: Blind trust fuels oppression.

Key Takeaway

Question official narratives critically.

Themes

politics truth power

Mood

skeptical reflective

Type

critical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • political discourse
  • media consumption
  • legal reforms

Key Concepts

propaganda civil liberties authoritarianism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What evidence challenges these claims?
  • How can citizens stay informed?
A Different Perspective

Overly cynical view may ignore genuine reforms.

4.8 out of 5 (4 ratings)

More by H. L. Mencken

Explore all 827 H. L. Mencken quotes

More Deceiving quotes

Browse all 704 Deceiving quotes