---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: When somebody comes up with a progressive…"
description: "\"When somebody comes up with a progressive idea, to begin with, you're mad, bonkers. Then if you go on, you're dangerous. Then there's a pause. Then you..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e09/tony-benn-2543_believe_when-somebody-comes-up-with-a-progressiv_2988014.png"
---

#  When somebody comes up with a progressive idea, to begin…

![“When somebody comes up with a progressive idea, to begin with, you're mad, bonkers. Then if you go on, you're dangerous. Then there's a pause. Then you can't find anyone who can say they thought of it in the first place. That's how progress is made. This is why I do believe in the vote. In the…” quote by Tony Benn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e09/tony-benn-2543_believe_when-somebody-comes-up-with-a-progressiv_2988014.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e09/tony-benn-2543_believe_when-somebody-comes-up-with-a-progressiv_2988014.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e09/tony-benn-2543_believe_when-somebody-comes-up-with-a-progressiv_2988014.png)

> “When somebody comes up with a progressive idea, to begin with, you're mad, bonkers. Then if you go on, you're dangerous. Then there's a pause. Then you can't find anyone who can say they thought of it in the first place. That's how progress is made. This is why I do believe in the vote. In the end, all these people who've been tempted to the right realise the warning lights in their constituency are brighter than the bright lights from No. 10 offering them things.”

[Tony Benn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tony-benn/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Progressive ideas are first dismissed as crazy, then feared, then finally become undeniable as they reshape society.

**In simple terms:** New ideas face ridicule before acceptance.

Key Takeaway

Embrace bold ideas despite initial criticism.

Themes

innovation politics change perseverance

Mood

determined reflective

Type

political inspirational

When to use this quote

- political campaigns
- entrepreneurial ventures
- social movements
- policy reform

Key Concepts

social dynamics risk assessment public opinion

Questions to Reflect On

- How do you support unconventional thinkers?
- What safeguards prevent ideas from being misused?

A Different Perspective

Ideas may be co-opted or diluted by mainstream forces.

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