Great man Quote by Karl R. Popper
““(a) Nationalism, in the form of the historicist idea that the state is the incarnation of the Spirit (or now, of the Blood) of the state-creating nation (or race); one chosen nation (now, the chosen race) is destined for world domination. (b) The state as the natural enemy of all other states must assert its existence in war. (c) The state is exempt from any kind of moral obligation; history, that is, historical success, is the sole judge; collective utility is the sole principle of personal conduct; propagandist lying and distortion of the truth is permissible. (d) The ‘ethical’ idea of war (total and collectivist), particularly of young nations against older ones; war, fate and fame as most desirable goods. (e) The creative rôle of the Great Man, the world-historical personality, the man of deep knowledge and great passion (now, the principle of leadership). (f) The ideal of the heroic life (‘live dangerously’) and of the ‘heroic man’ as opposed to the petty bourgeois and his life of shallow mediocrity.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Open Society and Its Enemies, Volume I, 1945
The quote outlines a nationalist worldview that glorifies the state, war, moral exemption, and heroic leadership, rejecting moral constraints and promoting domination.
In simple terms: Nationalism glorifies state power, war, and heroic leadership while rejecting moral limits.
Key Takeaway
Question the moral cost of unchecked nationalism.
Themes
nationalism
war
heroic leadership
ethical relativism
state power
Mood
critical
analytical
skeptical
Type
philosophical
political
historical
When to use this quote
- political analysis
- historical critique
- ideological study
Key Concepts
totalitarianism
collectivism
great man theory
moral relativism
imperialism
Practical Applications
- academic debate
- policy formulation
- media commentary
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this worldview affect minority groups?
- Can societies thrive without heroic narratives?
A Different Perspective
The view ignores individual rights and can lead to oppression.
