Cases Quote by Henri Michaux
“It is almost an intellectual tradition to pay heed to the insane. In my case those that I most respect are the morons.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: 'The Insane' (1975)
The author claims that society often respects those considered irrational, and he personally admires such individuals.
In simple terms: Respect can be given to the irrational.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions about who deserves respect.
Themes
respect
irrationality
societal norms
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
controversial
When to use this quote
- academic discourse
- artistic circles
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
philosophy of mind
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we value the 'morons'?
- What are the risks of this respect?
A Different Perspective
It may romanticize harmful behavior.
![“President George] Bush talked to us like we were a bunch of morons and we ate it up. Can you imagine, the Pledge of Allegiance, read my lips-can you imagine such crap in this day and age?” quote by John Updike](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/11b/john-updike-396_age_president-george-bush-talked-to-us-like_270650.jpg)
![“[As in the case of] alcohol prohibition, illegality has driven organized crime, sent countless people to jail, and killed many thousands. Repression does not work.” quote by Sam Branson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/212/sam-branson-36458_alcohol_as-in-the-case-of-alcohol-prohibition-il_8703.jpg)
