--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The important thing is to keep them…" description: "\"“The important thing is to keep them pledging,\" he explained to his cohorts. \"It doesn't matter whether they mean it or not. That's why they make littl..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4f2/joseph-heller-601_humor_the-important-thing-is-to-keep-them-pled_1179275.jpg" --- # The important thing is to keep them pledging," he… ![“The important thing is to keep them pledging," he explained to his cohorts. "It doesn't matter whether they mean it or not. That's why they make little kids pledge allegiance even before they know what 'pledge' and 'allegiance' mean.” quote by Joseph Heller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4f2/joseph-heller-601_humor_the-important-thing-is-to-keep-them-pled_1179275.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4f2/joseph-heller-601_humor_the-important-thing-is-to-keep-them-pled_1179275.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4f2/joseph-heller-601_humor_the-important-thing-is-to-keep-them-pled_1179275.jpg) > ““The important thing is to keep them pledging," he explained to his cohorts. "It doesn't matter whether they mean it or not. That's why they make little kids pledge allegiance even before they know what 'pledge' and 'allegiance' mean.”” [Joseph Heller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-heller/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. People are compelled to pledge allegiance without understanding, highlighting manipulation of loyalty. **In simple terms:** Blind pledges exploit loyalty. Key Takeaway Question the meaning behind forced commitments. Themes politics manipulation loyalty education Mood satirical critical Type political philosophical When to use this quote - school ceremonies - political oaths - corporate loyalty programs Key Concepts Social psychology propaganda critical thinking Questions to Reflect On - Why do we pledge without understanding? - How can we foster informed loyalty? A Different Perspective Blind obedience can stifle critical thought. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Humor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/humor/) [Patriotism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/patriotism/) [Pledge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pledge/) ## Related quotes > [“It doesn't matter whether they mean it or not. 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