Accounts Quote by Murray Edelman
“Political history is largely an account of mass violence and of the expenditure of vast resources to cope with mythical fears and hopes”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Symbolic Uses of Politics, 1964
Political narratives shape perceptions, driving violence and massive spending to address imagined fears.
In simple terms: Politics fuels fear and waste.
Critically examine political stories.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- policy analysis
- media consumption
- public budgeting
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What myths influence current policies?
- How can societies reduce fear‑driven spending?
Not all political actions are driven by myths.