Able Quote by Karl Popper
“Why do I think that we, the intellectuals, are able to help? Simply because we, the intellectuals, have done the most terrible harm for thousands of years. Mass murder in the name of an idea, a doctrine, a theory, a religion - that is all "our" doing, "our" invention: the invention of the intellectuals. If only we would stop setting man against man - often with the best intentions - much would be gained. Nobody can say that it is impossible for us to stop doing this.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Open Society and Its Enemies, 1945
Intellectuals have caused great harm through ideas; they must stop pitting humans against each other.
In simple terms: Intellectuals have caused much harm; they should stop dividing people.
Key Takeaway
Promote ideas that unite, not divide.
Themes
responsibility
intellectualism
ethics
conflict
Mood
critical
hopeful
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- academic research
- policy advising
- public discourse
- education reform
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
historical analysis
social cohesion
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities do thinkers have to society?
- How can intellectual work foster unity?
A Different Perspective
Intellectuals can also inspire positive change.
![“[The aim of science is] to explain what so far has taken to be an explicans, such as a law of nature. The task of empirical science constantly renews itself. We may go on forever, proceeding to explanations of a higher and higher universality...” quote by Karl Popper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f4e/karl-popper-2167_aim_the-aim-of-science-is-to-explain-what-so_121944.jpg)
