The object of government in peace and in war is not the glory of rulers or of races, but the happiness of common man.
William BeveridgeRead
Ignorance is an evil weed, which dictators may cultivate among their dupes, but which no democracy can afford among its citizens.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Ignorance can be manipulated by authoritarian leaders, but a healthy democracy requires informed citizens.
In this quote, William Beveridge highlights the destructive nature of ignorance, particularly in the context of government and societal structure. He warns that while dictators can exploit the ignorance of the populace for their own benefit, a true democracy thrives on the knowledge and awareness of its citizens, underscoring the importance of education and critical thinking in maintaining a free society.
Themes
IgnoranceDemocracyEducationCitizenshipDictatorship
In practice
Example use cases
During a political debate, to emphasize the importance of voter education.
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Definitions, contrary to popular opinion, tell us nothing about things. They only describe people's linguistic habits; that is, they tell us what noises people make under what conditions.
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Ah! never shall the land forget.
William C. BryantRead
Perhaps we all lose our sense of reality to the precise degree to which we are engrossed in our own work, and perhaps that is why we see in the increasing complexity of our mental constructs a means for greater understanding, even while intuitively we know that we shall never be able to fathom the imponderables that govern our course through life.
W. G. SebaldRead
What the expression is intended to mean, I think, is that there is a better and a worse element in the character of each individual, and that when the naturally better element controls the worse then the man is said to be "master of himself", as a term of praise. But when - as a result of bad upbringing or bad company one s better element is overpowered by the numerical superiority of one s worse impulses, then one is criticized for not being master of oneself and for lack of self control.
PlatoRead
We should be slower to think that the man at his worst is the real man, and certain that the better we are ourselves the less likely is he to be at his worst in our company. Every time he talks away his own character before us he is signifying contempt for ours.
James M. BarrieRead
It's an odd thing, but anyone who disappears is said to be seen in San Francisco. It must be a delightful city and possess all the attractions of the next world
Oscar WildeRead