Quote by John le Carré
““Then the people in this prison are intellectuals?” The woman smiled. “Yes,” she said, “they are reactionaries who call themselves progressive: they defend the individual against the state. Do you know what Khrushchev said about the counterrevolution in Hungary?” Liz shook her head. She must show interest, she must make the woman talk. “He said it would never have happened if a couple of writers had been shot in time.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, 1963
Intellectuals may hide reactionary beliefs behind progressive labels, revealing paradoxes in political identity.
In simple terms: Progressive labels can mask conservative ideas.
Key Takeaway
Critically examine political labels.
Themes
politics
identity
paradox
Mood
skeptical
analytical
Type
literary
political
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- media analysis
- personal belief systems
- activism
Key Concepts
ideology
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you define progressivism?
- When have you seen labels misused?
A Different Perspective
The quote assumes a binary view of progressivism, oversimplifying complex ideologies.
