Dreams Quote by Steven Pinker
““And ideology is a shared belief system, usually involving a vision of utopia, that justifies unlimited violence in pursuit of unlimited good.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Moral Landscape, 2011
Ideologies can mask utopian visions that legitimize extreme violence for a perceived greater good.
In simple terms: Ideas can justify terrible acts in the name of a perfect world.
Key Takeaway
Question the moral claims of any ideology.
Themes
politics
ethics
power
Mood
critical
cautious
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- activism
- education
- media analysis
Key Concepts
utopia
violence
justification
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards can prevent ideology from becoming violent?
- How do you evaluate the moral cost of a belief system?
A Different Perspective
Some ideologies also inspire positive social change.
