When even the dictators of today appeal to reason, they mean that they possess the most tanks. They were rational enough to build them; others should be rational enough to yield to them.
Interpretation
This quote critiques how dictators use the guise of reason to justify their power and force.
Max Horkheimer highlights the irony in how dictators claim to operate under reason and rationality while their actions are primarily driven by brute force. The quote suggests that their interpretation of reason is skewed, equating power with rationality and expecting others to accept this distorted logic, thereby exposing the flawed nature of authoritarianism.
In practice
In a debate about political power, this quote can illustrate the use of force under the guise of reason.
A revolutionary career does not lead to banquets and honorary titles, interesting research and professorial wages. It leads to misery, disgrace, ingratitude, prison and a voyage into the unknown, illuminated by only an almost superhuman belief.
The complexity of the connection between the world of perception and the world of physics does not preclude that such a connection can be shown to exist at any time.
Are you looking for me? I am in the next seat. My shoulder is against yours. you will not find me in the stupas, not in Indian shrine rooms, nor in synagogues, nor in cathedrals: not in masses, nor kirtans, not in legs winding around your own neck, nor in eating nothing but vegetables. When you really look for me, you will see me instantly - you will find me in the tiniest house of time. Kabir says: Student, tell me, what is God? He is the breath inside the breath.
There are two sets of principles. They are the principles of power and privilege and the principles of truth and justice. If you pursue truth and justice it will always mean a diminution of power and privilege. If you pursue power and privilege, it will always be at the expense of truth and justice
One should never put on one's best trousers to go out to fight for freedom.
Fear of the future is worse than one's present fortune.
We often think we express negative emotions, not because we cannot help it, but because we should express them.
In every country and in every age, the priest has been hostile to liberty.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.