Apathy Quote by Robert Tressell
““The revulsion of feeling that Barrington experienced during the progress of the election was intensified by the final result. The blind, stupid, enthusiastic admiration displayed by the philanthropists for those who exploited and robbed them; their extraordinary apathy with regard to their own interests; the patient, broken-spirited way in which they endured their sufferings, tamely submitting to live in poverty in the midst of the wealth they had helped to create; their callous indifference to the fate of their children, and the savage hatred they exhibited towards anyone who dared to suggest the possibility of better things, forced upon him the thought that the hopes he cherished were impossible of realization. The words of the renegade Socialist recurred constantly to his mind: 'You can be a Jesus Christ if you like, but for my part I'm finished. For the future I intend to look after myself. As for these people, they vote for what they want, they get what they vote for, and, by God! they deserve nothing better! They are being beaten with whips of their own choosing, and if I had my way they should be chastised with scorpions. For them, the present system means joyless drudgery, semi-starvation, rags and premature death; and they vote for it and uphold it. Let them have what they vote for! Let them drudge and let them starve!””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Ragged-Trousered Philanthropists by Robert Tressell, 1914
A cynical observer sees the working class as resigned, apathetic, and self‑destructive, believing their own oppression is a result of their choices and attitudes.
In simple terms: The poor are portrayed as accepting their misery and blaming themselves.
Key Takeaway
Recognize systemic injustice rather than blaming victims.
Themes
class struggle
apathy
self‑destruction
political cynicism
Mood
cynical
somber
critical
Type
sociopolitical
critical
reflective
When to use this quote
- labor movements
- political activism
- community organizing
- education campaigns
- policy reform
Key Concepts
socialism
fatalism
class consciousness
Questions to Reflect On
- What systemic changes could empower the disenfranchised?
- How does victim‑blaming hinder social progress?
A Different Perspective
The view ignores external exploitation and structural forces that limit agency.