--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The dictator is also the scapegoat; in…" description: "\"The dictator is also the scapegoat; in assuming absolute authority, he assumes absolute guilt; and the oppressed masses, groaning under the yoke, know ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/250/mary-mccarthy-2691_absolutes_the-dictator-is-also-the-scapegoat-in-as_1500900.jpg" --- # The dictator is also the scapegoat; in assuming absolute… ![“The dictator is also the scapegoat; in assuming absolute authority, he assumes absolute guilt; and the oppressed masses, groaning under the yoke, know themselves to be innocent as lambs, while they pray hypocritically for deliverance.” quote by Mary McCarthy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/250/mary-mccarthy-2691_absolutes_the-dictator-is-also-the-scapegoat-in-as_1500900.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/250/mary-mccarthy-2691_absolutes_the-dictator-is-also-the-scapegoat-in-as_1500900.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/250/mary-mccarthy-2691_absolutes_the-dictator-is-also-the-scapegoat-in-as_1500900.jpg) > “The dictator is also the scapegoat; in assuming absolute authority, he assumes absolute guilt; and the oppressed masses, groaning under the yoke, know themselves to be innocent as lambs, while they pray hypocritically for deliverance.” [Mary McCarthy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mary-mccarthy/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Absolute power corrupts, making leaders both oppressors and scapegoats, while the oppressed view themselves as innocent. **In simple terms:** Power leads to guilt and scapegoating. Key Takeaway Question authority and seek justice. Themes power oppression guilt innocence Mood critical reflective Type literary philosophical When to use this quote - political activism - legal reform - educational curricula - media critique - personal reflection Key Concepts authoritarianism psychology social dynamics Questions to Reflect On - Why do people blame leaders for all problems? - How can societies hold power accountable? A Different Perspective Scapegoating can oversimplify complex issues. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Absolutes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/absolutes/) [Assuming](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/assuming/) [Authority](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/authority/) [Deliverance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/deliverance/) [Dictator](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dictator/) [Dictator Scapegoat](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dictator-scapegoat-5501669/) [Groaning](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/groaning/) [Guilt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/guilt/) [Guilt Oppressed](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/guilt-oppressed-5501671/) [Hypocritically Deliverance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hypocritically-deliverance-5501670/) [Innocent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/innocent/) [Knows](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/knows/) [Lambs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/lambs/) [Mass](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mass/) [Oppressed](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/oppressed/) [Praying](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/praying/) [Scapegoat](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/scapegoat/) [Scapegoat Assuming](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/scapegoat-assuming-5501672/) [Tyranny](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/tyranny/) [Yoke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/yoke/) ## Related quotes > [This war is not an ordinary war. 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