Becoming Quote by Thomas Szasz
“People dream of making the virtuous powerful, so they can depend upon them. Since they cannot do that, people choose to make the powerful virtuous, glorifying in becoming victimized by them.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Myth of Mental Illness, Thomas Szasz, 1961
People wish the virtuous to hold power, but when that fails they try to force virtue onto the powerful, ending up victimized.
In simple terms: Desire for virtuous power leads to victimhood when forced onto the powerful.
Key Takeaway
Beware of imposing virtue on those in power.
Themes
power
virtue
victimhood
politics
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- leadership
- activism
- personal relationships
- political movements
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
social dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies foster genuine virtue without victimizing anyone?
- What alternatives exist to power imbalances?
A Different Perspective
Forcing virtue can backfire, creating resentment and oppression.
