Computers Quote by Mark Twain
“Concentration of power in a political machine is bad; and an Established Church is only a political machine; it was invented for that; it is nursed, cradled, preserved for that; it is an enemy to human liberty, and does no good which it could not bet”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Political Power, 1880
Concentrated power corrupts; institutional religion can become a political tool, threatening liberty.
In simple terms: Power concentration harms freedom.
Key Takeaway
Guard against institutional overreach.
Themes
freedom
power
institutional critique
Mood
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- government policy
- church reforms
- civil activism
Key Concepts
Political theory
secularism
Questions to Reflect On
- How can citizens limit institutional power?
- What role should religion play in public life?
A Different Perspective
Power structures are resilient to change.
