Common Quote by John Brunner
“It's common platitude that knowledge is neutral but every now and then it would be useful if it was on your side and not theirs.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Stand on Zanzibar by John Brunner, 1968
Knowledge can be weaponized; its neutrality depends on who controls it and how it’s used.
In simple terms: Knowledge isn’t inherently neutral.
Key Takeaway
Seek knowledge that serves your goals, not just others’.
Themes
ethics
information
power
control
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
philosophical
practical
When to use this quote
- political strategy
- business negotiations
- personal decision making
Key Concepts
bias
information asymmetry
strategic use
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you verify the source’s intent?
- When should you share knowledge?
A Different Perspective
Assumes all knowledge can be aligned with personal interests, which isn’t always feasible.
![“Beauty is a fading flower;”[3] and, applied particularly to woman’s loveliness, there is none more favourite among that bundle of dull platitudes, of insipid, trite commonplaces which enrol themselves under the head of moral maxims. Of course it is true—tiresomely, provokingly, heart-breakingly…” quote by Rhoda Broughton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/16a/rhoda-broughton-25508_beauty_beauty-is-a-fading-flower-3-and-applied_371805.jpg)
![“Neither Italian fascism nor German national "socialism" have anything in common with such a [Soviet socialistic] society, primarily because private ownership of factories, plants, lands, banks, means of transportation, etc., remain untouched there, and, therefore, capitalism in Germany and Italy…” quote by Joseph Stalin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/411/joseph-stalin-1734_capitalism_neither-italian-fascism-nor-german-natio_1430.jpg)
