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Attempting Quote by Michael Polanyi

“A free society is regarded as one that does not engage, on principle, in attempting to control what people find meaningful, and a totalitarian society is regarded as one that does, on principle, attempt such control.” quote by Michael Polanyi
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“A free society is regarded as one that does not engage, on principle, in attempting to control what people find meaningful, and a totalitarian society is regarded as one that does, on principle, attempt such control.”

Michael Polanyi

About This Quote

Source Book: “The Tacit Dimension” by Michael Polanyi, 1966

Free societies avoid imposing meaning, while totalitarian regimes try to control what people find meaningful.

In simple terms: Freedom respects personal meaning; control tries to dictate it.

Key Takeaway

Protect personal meaning.

Themes

freedom meaning control

Mood

analytical critical

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • education policy
  • media regulation
  • cultural discourse

Key Concepts

political theory individual autonomy societal structures

Questions to Reflect On

  • What limits should a society place on meaning?
  • How does control affect creativity?
A Different Perspective

Balancing societal cohesion with individual freedom is complex.

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