Fallen angel Quote by Leo Strauss
““Only a great fool would call the new political science diabolic: it has no attributes peculiar to fallen angels. It is not even Machiavellian, for Machiavelli's teaching was graceful, subtle, and colorful. Nor is it Neronian. Nevertheless one may say of it that it fiddles while Rome burns. It is excused by two facts: it does not know that it fiddles, and it does not know that Rome burns.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “On the New Political Science”, 1960
The new political science lacks moral depth, acting blindly while crises unfold, unaware of its own role.
In simple terms: It ignores moral responsibility during crises.
Key Takeaway
Recognize ethical implications of political actions.
Themes
ethics
political theory
crisis management
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
philosophical
academic
When to use this quote
- policy making
- academic curricula
- public discourse
- leadership training
Key Concepts
moral blindness
political apathy
Questions to Reflect On
- What moral duties do scholars have in turbulent times?
- How can political science stay grounded in reality?
A Different Perspective
Critics may argue it oversimplifies complex political dynamics.
![“The emancipation of the scholars and scientists from philosophy is according to [Nietzsche] only a part of the democratic movement, i.e. of the emancipation of the low from subordination to the high. ... The plebeian character of the contemporary scholar or scientist is due to the fact that he has…” quote by Leo Strauss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/76a/leo-strauss-12446_character_the-emancipation-of-the-scholars-and-sci_389563.jpg)
