Able Quote by Michael Polanyi
“To try to reform all the power structures at once would leave us with no power structure to use in our project. In any case, we will be able to see that absolute moral renewal could be attempted only by an absolute power and that a tyrannous force such as this must destroy the whole moral life of man, not renew it.”
About This Quote
Source Lecture: The Logic of Scientific Discovery, Michael Polanyi, 1958
Attempting to overhaul all power structures simultaneously leaves no functional framework, making true moral renewal impossible without a stable base.
In simple terms: Changing everything at once removes the structure needed for change.
Key Takeaway
Build stable foundations before reform.
Themes
politics
reform
power dynamics
Mood
critical
cautious
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy design
- organizational change
- social movements
- educational reform
Key Concepts
philosophy of science
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- What foundational structures must we preserve?
- How can we balance reform with stability?
A Different Perspective
Radical change can cause chaos if not carefully staged.
![“Some [people] may be "servants of the power structure," but that has to be shown. I think it often can be shown, but the burden of proof is on the critic who puts forth that thesis in particular cases.” quote by Noam Chomsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a42/noam-chomsky-42_burden_some-people-may-be-servants-of-the-power_1167737.jpg)
