Big things Quote by Michael Ende
““When your turn comes to jump into the Nothing, you too will be a nameless servant of power, with no will of your own. Who knows what use they will make of you? Maybe you'll help them persuade people to buy things they don't need, or hate things they know nothing about, or hold beliefs that make them easy to handle, or doubt the truths that might save them. Yes, you little Fantastican, big things will be done in the human world with your help, wars started, empires founded..." " The human world is full of weak-minded people, who think they're as clever as can be and are convinced that it's terribly important to persuade even the children that Fantastica doesn't exist. Maybe they will be able to make good use of you.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Neverending Story by Michael Ende, 1979
The quote warns that individuals can become tools of power, losing autonomy and being used to manipulate others for harmful purposes.
In simple terms: People can be exploited by those in power, losing their own will.
Key Takeaway
Beware of surrendering your will to others.
Themes
power
manipulation
autonomy
media
war
Mood
cautious
critical
reflective
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political campaigns
- advertising
- military recruitment
- social media influence
- education curricula
Key Concepts
social control
psychological coercion
propaganda
consumerism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you maintain personal agency in a persuasive environment?
- What responsibilities do influencers have?
A Different Perspective
It assumes all influence is negative and ignores potential for positive leadership.
![“I like [Barak] Obama. I like him. So how far does rationality help to persuade anybody? You know, I'm not so sure.” quote by George Saunders](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/da0/george-saunders-317_barak-obama_i-like-barak-obama-i-like-him-so-how-far_87954.jpg)
