Common Quote by Roland Barthes
“We know that the war against intelligence is always waged in the name of common sense.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Death of the Author,” 1967
Intelligence is suppressed under the guise of common sense, which is used to justify wars against critical thought.
In simple terms: War against intelligence hides behind “common sense.”
Key Takeaway
Question the motives behind “common sense” arguments.
Themes
intelligence
war
common_sense
power
control
Mood
skeptical
reflective
provocative
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- academic discourse
- political debate
- media literacy
- education policy
Key Concepts
ideological_manipulation
intellectual_freedom
Questions to Reflect On
- How does “common sense” silence dissent?
- What alternatives to “common sense” can protect intelligence?
A Different Perspective
Common sense can be a tool for oppression, not just rationality.
![“Neither Italian fascism nor German national "socialism" have anything in common with such a [Soviet socialistic] society, primarily because private ownership of factories, plants, lands, banks, means of transportation, etc., remain untouched there, and, therefore, capitalism in Germany and Italy…” quote by Joseph Stalin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/411/joseph-stalin-1734_capitalism_neither-italian-fascism-nor-german-natio_1430.jpg)
