No matter how noble the objectives of a government, if it blurs decency and kindness, cheapens human life, and breeds ill will and suspicion; it is an evil government.
Interpretation
A government is deemed evil if it compromises decency and fosters negativity, regardless of its intentions.
This quote by Eric Hoffer emphasizes that the moral character of a government is determined not just by its noble goals but by its ability to uphold decency, kindness, and respect for human life. When a government's actions lead to a culture of suspicion and ill will, it undermines its legitimacy, making it harmful to society regardless of its stated objectives.
In practice
In a discussion about political integrity, this quote can highlight the importance of decency in governance.
Language was invented to ask questions. Answers may be given by grunts and gestures, but questions must be spoken. Humanness came of age when man asked the first question. Social stagnation results not from a lack of answers but from the absence of the impulse to ask questions.
Faith in humanity, in posterity, in the destiny of one's religion, nation, race, party or family-what is it but the visualization of that eternal something to which we attach the self that is about to be annihilated?
You can discover what your enemy fears most by observing the means he uses to frighten you.
Our frustration is greater when we have much and want more than when we have nothing and want some. We are less dissatisfied when we lack many things than when we seem to lack but one thing.
Our credulity is greatest concerning the things we know least about.
Perhaps a modern society can remain stable only by eliminating adolescence, by giving its young, from the age of ten, the skills, responsibilities, and rewards of grownups, and opportunities for action in all spheres of life. Adolescence should be a time of useful action, while book learning and scholarship should be a preoccupation of adults.
A Jew without Jews, without Judaism, without Zionism, without Jewishness, without a temple or an army or even a pistol, a Jew clearly without a home, just the object itself, like a glass or an apple.
Only times and places, only names and ghosts.
How can you thank a man for giving you what's already yours? How then can you thank him for giving you only part of what's already yours?
All service ranks the same with God,- With God, whose puppets, best and worst, Are we: there is no last nor first.
City life is millions of people being lonesome together.
The ability to stand by one's principles, to live with integrity and faith according to one's belief-that is what matters, that is the difference between a contribution and a commitment. That devotion to true principle in our individual lives, in our homes and families, and in all places that we meet and influence other people-that devotion is what God is ultimately requesting of us.
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