They criticize me for harping on the obvious; if all the folks in the United States would do the few simple things they know they ought to do, most of our big problems would take care of themselves.
Calvin CoolidgeRead
Wherever despotism abounds, the sources of public information are the first to be brought under its control.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Despotism seeks to control information to maintain power.
This quote by Calvin Coolidge emphasizes the relationship between authoritarian rule and the censorship of information. When a despotic regime emerges, it often targets sources of information, such as the media or public communications, in order to manipulate or suppress the truth and maintain control over the populace. By limiting access to unbiased information, despots can easily influence public opinion and eliminate dissent, solidifying their power.
Themes
DespotismInformationControlCensorshipFreedom
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about the importance of a free press in democracy.
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The foundations of our society and our government rest so much on the teachings of the Bible that it would be difficult to support them if faith in these teachings would cease to be practically universal in our country.
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