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Doctrine Quote by Paul Krugman

“Something terrible has happened to the soul of the Republican Party. We've gone from bad economic doctrine. We've even gone beyond selfishness and special interests. At this point we're talking about a state of mind that takes positive glee in inflicting further suffering upon the already miserable.” quote by Paul Krugman
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“Something terrible has happened to the soul of the Republican Party. We've gone from bad economic doctrine. We've even gone beyond selfishness and special interests. At this point we're talking about a state of mind that takes positive glee in inflicting further suffering upon the already miserable.”

Paul Krugman

About This Quote

Source Opinion Column: New York Times, 2023

Political rhetoric has devolved into delighting in others’ misery, reflecting a corrosive moral decline.

In simple terms: Politics now celebrates causing suffering.

Key Takeaway

Promote policies that foster collective well‑being.

Themes

politics ethics empathy polarization social responsibility

Mood

concerned critical

Type

analytical reflective

When to use this quote

  • election campaigns
  • legislative debates
  • public protests
  • media commentary

Key Concepts

moral decay populist aggression economic policy humanitarian values

Questions to Reflect On

  • What incentives drive leaders to relish others’ pain?
  • How can citizens counteract this cruelty?
A Different Perspective

Focusing on suffering can erode democratic norms and social cohesion.

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