Humanity Quote by H. L. Mencken
“The urge to save humanity is almost always a false front for the urge to rule.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: 1922, The American Mercury
Desire to “save” humanity often masks a craving for power.
In simple terms: Saving can be a cover for ruling.
Key Takeaway
Beware hidden motives in altruism.
Themes
power
politics
human nature
altruism
Mood
critical
skeptical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political campaigns
- charitable foundations
- leadership training
Key Concepts
psychology
sociology
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- What motives drive your desire to help?
- How can you check for power dynamics?
A Different Perspective
Good intentions can still cause harm.
![“By profession a biologist, [Thomas Henry Huxley] covered in fact the whole field of the exact sciences, and then bulged through its four fences. Absolutely nothing was uninteresting to him. His curiosity ranged from music to theology and from philosophy to history. He didn't simply know something…” quote by H. L. Mencken](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f46/h-l-mencken-245_absolutely-nothing_by-profession-a-biologist-thomas-henry-h_5368.jpg)
