Herbert Quote by William Hurrell Mallock
““To me,' said Mr. Herbert, 'it seems rather that the only hope for the present age lies in the possibility of some individual wiser than the rest getting the necessary power, and in the most arbitrary way possible putting a stop to this progress--utterly stamping out and obliterating every general tendency peculiar to our own time.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The New Republic by William Hurrell Mallock, 1909
Only a wiser individual can halt detrimental societal trends, but imposing power arbitrarily is problematic.
In simple terms: A wise person might stop harmful progress, but power must be used responsibly.
Key Takeaway
Seek responsible leadership, not arbitrary control.
Themes
leadership
power
societal change
responsibility
ethics
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political reform
- activism
- community organizing
- policy making
Key Concepts
philosophy
political theory
authority
Questions to Reflect On
- Who decides who is wiser?
- How can power be checked?
A Different Perspective
Power concentrated in one can be abused and suppress beneficial change.
