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About this quote

What does it mean?
Hitchens warns that a majority filled with self-pity is dangerous and unstable.
In plain terms
A group that only feels sorry for itself is a risk.
What can you take from it?
Self-pity in the masses creates instability.

Where it applies

  • analyzing social unrest
  • discussing public sentiment

Putting it to work

  • assessing social risk

Questions to consider

  • How does self-pity affect democracy?
  • When does victimhood become a majority?

Another view

It reduces complex social issues to emotional traits.

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