Dystopian fiction Quote by John Brunner
““Take it for granted that the government will disregard long-term dangers-such as those affecting the environment-in order to cling to power; that the citizenry will do the same because thinking is too much like hard work; and then the handful of Cassandras are proved right, they will be held to blame and very likely stoned or shot.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Stand on Zanzibar, John Brunner, 1968
Powerful leaders prioritize short‑term control over long‑term safety, and citizens avoid effortful thinking, allowing a few warning voices to be blamed and punished.
In simple terms: Leaders ignore future risks; people avoid hard thinking; truth‑tellers get punished.
Key Takeaway
Challenge complacency and protect truth‑tellers.
Themes
politics
environment
truth
citizen responsibility
Mood
cautious
critical
urgent
Type
warning
political
When to use this quote
- government policy debates
- environmental activism
- public education
- media reporting
Key Concepts
authoritarianism
cognitive laziness
whistleblower persecution
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies value difficult truths?
- What mechanisms protect whistleblowers?
A Different Perspective
If the public were more engaged, warning voices might be he, not condemned.
