Barometer Quote by Juan Donoso Cortes
![“There are only two possible forms of control: one internal and the other external; religious control and political control. They are of such a nature that when the religious barometer rises, the barometer of [external, i.e., political control] falls and likewise, when the religious barometer…” quote by Juan Donoso Cortes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0c9/juan-donoso-cortes-84258_barometer_there-are-only-two-possible-forms-of-con_2773724.jpg)
“There are only two possible forms of control: one internal and the other external; religious control and political control. They are of such a nature that when the religious barometer rises, the barometer of [external, i.e., political control] falls and likewise, when the religious barometer falls, the political barometer, that is political control and tyranny, rises. That is the law of humanity, a law of history. If civilized man falls into disbelief and immorality, the way is prepared for some gigantic and colossal tyrant, universal and immense.”
About This Quote
Source Treat: “Essay on Catholicism, Liberalism, and Communism” (1849)
Control shifts between religion and politics; when one rises, the other falls, leading to cycles of tyranny.
In simple terms: Power moves between faith and state.
Key Takeaway
Watch for power vacuums and rising extremism.
Themes
power
control
religion
politics
history
Mood
analytical
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- government policy
- religious movements
- social reforms
- educational discourse
Key Concepts
cyclical dominance
human nature
authoritarianism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do modern societies balance religious and political authority?
- Can one truly replace the other?
A Different Perspective
Simplifies complex socio-political dynamics.
![“If the layman cannot participate in decision making, he will have to turn himself over, essentially blind, to a hermetic elite. ... [The fundamental question becomes] are we still capable of self-government and therefore freedom? Margaret Mead wrote in a 1959 issue of Daedalus about scientists…” quote by Gerald Holton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/368/gerald-holton-46138_benevolent_if-the-layman-cannot-participate-in-deci_1394613.jpg)
