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Citizens Quote by John Ralston Saul

“Elites quite naturally define as the most important and admired qualities for a citizen those on which they themselves have concentrated.” quote by John Ralston Saul
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“Elites quite naturally define as the most important and admired qualities for a citizen those on which they themselves have concentrated.”

John Ralston Saul

About This Quote

Source Book: The Unconscious Civil Servant, 1995

Elites define citizen virtues based on their own interests, not universal standards.

In simple terms: Elites project self‑interest onto society.

Key Takeaway

Question whose values are being promoted.

Themes

politics power society

Mood

analytical skeptical

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • policy making
  • civic education
  • leadership development

Key Concepts

philosophy social critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • Who decides what qualities are truly valuable?
  • How can citizens influence these definitions?
A Different Perspective

Elites may also have genuine public‑spirit motives.

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