Ambition Quote by Wendell Berry
“From the union of power and money, from the union of power and secrecy, from the union of government and science, from the union of government and art, from the union of science and money, from the union of ambition and ignorance, from the union of genius and war, from the union of outer space and inner vacuity, the Mad Farmer walks quietly away.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: “The Mad Farmer” by Wendell Berry, 1970
The quote lists many powerful alliances that create dangerous or oppressive forces, suggesting that when such forces combine, they lead to a quiet, inevitable retreat of integrity.
In simple terms: Powerful alliances can corrupt and force truth to retreat.
Key Takeaway
Beware of colluding powers.
Themes
power
corruption
society
ethics
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- government policy
- corporate decisions
- scientific research
- artistic expression
- military strategy
Key Concepts
political economy
moral philosophy
environmentalism
Questions to Reflect On
- What alliances in your life threaten integrity?
- How can you maintain truth amid powerful collusions?
A Different Perspective
Even without overt oppression, subtle pressures can still silence dissent.
