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Ideology Quote by Marilynne Robinson

“At very best there are two major problems with ideology. The first is that it does not represent or conform to or even address reality. It is a straight-edge ruler in a fractal universe. And the second is that it inspires in its believers the notion that the fault here lies with miscreant fact…” quote by Marilynne Robinson
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““At very best there are two major problems with ideology. The first is that it does not represent or conform to or even address reality. It is a straight-edge ruler in a fractal universe. And the second is that it inspires in its believers the notion that the fault here lies with miscreant fact, which should therefore be conformed to the requirements of theory by all means necessary.””

Marilynne Robinson

About This Quote

Source Essay: “The Trouble with Ideology,” The New Yorker, 2015

Ideology fails because it ignores reality and forces believers to force reality to fit theory, ignoring facts.

In simple terms: Ideology clashes with reality and forces distortion.

Key Takeaway

Question assumptions and align beliefs with evidence.

Themes

ideology reality truth belief critical thinking

Mood

critical inquisitive

Type

philosophical analytical

When to use this quote

  • policy making
  • academic research
  • public discourse

Key Concepts

philosophy epistemology political theory

Questions to Reflect On

  • What evidence challenges your core beliefs?
  • How can you balance theory with empirical data?
A Different Perspective

Ideologies can provide social cohesion despite flaws.

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