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About this quote

What does it mean?
Human capability for flight and violence is useful, but thought is a flaw in this context.
In plain terms
Thinking makes humans dangerous to those who use them.
What can you take from it?
Question systems that value utility over conscience.

Where it applies

  • military critique
  • political systems
  • ethics

Putting it to work

  • critique blind obedience
  • value critical thought

Questions to consider

  • Why is thought called a defect?
  • Who benefits from thoughtless workers?

Another view

Thinking can also be a virtue.

More from Bertolt Brecht

  1. General, your tank is a powerful vehicle it smashes down forests and crushes a hundred men. but it has one defect: it needs a driver.

    Permalink to quote #62
  2. The man who laughs has simply not yet had the terrible news.

    Permalink to quote #64
  3. Their peace and their war Are like wind and storm. War grows from their peace.

    Permalink to quote #61

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