---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It is said that those whom the gods wish…"
description: "\"It is said that those whom the gods wish to destroy they first make mad. It may well be that a war neurosis stirred up by propaganda of fear and hatred..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/857/john-boyd-orr-21695_destruction_it-is-said-that-those-whom-the-gods-wish_95877.png"
---

#  It is said that those whom the gods wish to destroy they…

![“It is said that those whom the gods wish to destroy they first make mad. It may well be that a war neurosis stirred up by propaganda of fear and hatred is the prelude to destruction.” quote by John Boyd Orr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/857/john-boyd-orr-21695_destruction_it-is-said-that-those-whom-the-gods-wish_95877.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/857/john-boyd-orr-21695_destruction_it-is-said-that-those-whom-the-gods-wish_95877.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/857/john-boyd-orr-21695_destruction_it-is-said-that-those-whom-the-gods-wish_95877.png)

> “It is said that those whom the gods wish to destroy they first make mad. It may well be that a war neurosis stirred up by propaganda of fear and hatred is the prelude to destruction.”

[John Boyd Orr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-boyd-orr/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A warning that those targeted for destruction may first be driven to madness, suggesting that fear‑based propaganda can provoke a destructive, war‑like hysteria.

**In simple terms:** Propaganda can incite madness before ruin.

Key Takeaway

Fear fuels destructive collective madness.

Themes

propaganda war psychology madness destruction

Mood

grim cautionary

Type

philosophical warning

When to use this quote

- political analysis
- military strategy studies
- media literacy education

Key Concepts

social influence

Practical Applications

- policy briefings
- public awareness campaigns

Questions to Reflect On

- How does fear transform into collective aggression?
- Can propaganda be countered before madness spreads?

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[Destruction](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/destruction/) [Fear](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fear/) [Hatred](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hatred/) [Neurosis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/neurosis/) [Propaganda](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/propaganda/) [War](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/war/) [Wish](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wish/)

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