Higher education Quote by Mark R. Levin
““Like other progressives, Croly proclaimed a new secular “science,” a political and social science in which politicians, bureaucrats, academics, and experts harness the power of the state to indoctrinate and rule over the individual, and attempt to remake his nature and society in general through constant experimentation and manipulation. This is said to be progress. Croly also argued that the American mind-set—the view of the “all-around man”—must be altered. The people must be conditioned to accept and then demand the kind of centralized administrative state he advocated. This is accomplished not only by demonizing the successful individual and, as he explained, demonstrating the benefits of administrative governance, but by producing like-minded believers through higher education.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The American Mind, 2010
He critiques progressive attempts to reshape society via centralized state power, viewing it as manipulation disguised as progress.
In simple terms: He warns against state-driven social engineering.
Key Takeaway
Question and resist overreaching governmental control.
Themes
politics
progress
state power
Mood
cautious
critical
analytical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- government reform
- public discourse
- academic curricula
Key Concepts
social engineering
centralization
education policy
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards protect individual autonomy?
- How can citizens influence state policies responsibly?
A Different Perspective
Progress can also bring genuine improvements.
