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Concentration camp Quote by T.H. White

“We find that at present the human race is divided into one wise man, nine knaves, and ninety fools out of every hundred. That is, by an optimistic observer. The nine knaves assemble themselves under the banner of the most knavish among them, and become 'politicians'; the wise man stands out…” quote by T.H. White
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““We find that at present the human race is divided into one wise man, nine knaves, and ninety fools out of every hundred. That is, by an optimistic observer. The nine knaves assemble themselves under the banner of the most knavish among them, and become 'politicians'; the wise man stands out, because he knows himself to be hopelessly outnumbered, and devotes himself to poetry, mathematics, or philosophy; while the ninety fools plod off under the banners of the nine villains, according to fancy, into the labyrinths of chicanery, malice and warfare. It is pleasant to have command, observes Sancho Panza, even over a flock of sheep, and that is why the politicians raise their banners. It is, moreover, the same thing for the sheep whatever the banner. If it is democracy, then the nine knaves will become members of parliament; if fascism, they will become party leaders; if communism, commissars. Nothing will be different, except the name. The fools will be still fools, the knaves still leaders, the results still exploitation. As for the wise man, his lot will be much the same under any ideology. Under democracy he will be encouraged to starve to death in a garret, under fascism he will be put in a concentration camp, under communism he will be liquidated.””

T.H. White

About This Quote

Source Book: The Once and Future King by T.H. White, 1958

Society is dominated by a few corrupt leaders, while the wise are marginalized regardless of regime.

In simple terms: Leaders are often corrupt; wise people suffer everywhere.

Key Takeaway

Seek truth beyond politics.

Themes

politics corruption wisdom human nature

Mood

cynical hopeful

Type

satirical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • voting
  • activism
  • education
  • critical thinking

Key Concepts

philosophy political theory ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can individuals influence corrupt systems?
  • What role does wisdom play in society?
A Different Perspective

Not all leaders are corrupt; change is possible.

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