Defence Quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Each man too is a tyrant in tendency, because he would impose his idea on others; and their trick is their natural defence. Jesuswould absorb the race; but Tom Paine or the coarsest blasphemer helps humanity by resisting this exuberance of power.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "Self‑Reliance", 1841
Warns that imposing one's ideas creates tyranny; suggests resistance to power as a moral good.
In simple terms: Imposing ideas creates tyranny.
Key Takeaway
Resist authoritarian impulses.
Themes
authority
individualism
resistance
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- leadership
- education
- social movements
Key Concepts
ethics
political philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you felt pressured to conform?
- How can you balance assertiveness with humility?
A Different Perspective
May ignore need for cooperation.
![“He [Jesus] fought and conquered. On the one hand, he was man who struggled for his fathers and through his obedience cancelled their disobedience. On the other hand, he bound the strong one and freed the weak and bestowed salvation on his handiwork by abolishing sin. For he is our compassionate…” quote by Irenaeus of Lyons](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/68a/irenaeus-of-lyons-18423_adversaries_he-jesus-fought-and-conquered-on-the-one_1409679.jpg)
