Children Quote by Kenneth Patchen
““Why should anyone be surprised at what the men "in power" are capable of --didn't every mad-Judas one of them begin his career by slowly & brutally strangling an innocent child?””
About This Quote
Source Poem: “The Waste of Time”, 1935
Those in power often commit horrific acts, beginning with small cruelties that escalate into larger atrocities.
In simple terms: Powerful people start with small cruelty, leading to greater evil.
Key Takeaway
Watch for early signs of abuse.
Themes
power
violence
morality
Mood
thought‑provoking
somber
Type
cautionary
political
When to use this quote
- politics
- education
- community vigilance
Key Concepts
authoritarianism
psychology of cruelty
historical patterns
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies prevent the slide into cruelty?
- What early actions signal dangerous power?
A Different Perspective
Not all leaders become tyrants; context matters.
