Watch out for the fellow who talks about putting things in order! Putting things in order always means getting other people under your control.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Diderot warns that people who talk about 'ordering' things often mean they want to control others under their authority.
- In plain terms
- People who want to 'put things in order' often just want control.
- What can you take from it?
- Be wary of control hidden as organization.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is order always good?
- How do leaders justify control?
Another view
Not all organization is about control; sometimes it is necessary for function.
More from Denis Diderot
Man was born to live with his fellow human beings. Separate him, isolate him, his character will go bad, a thousand ridiculous affects will invade his heart, e…
Permalink to quote #11 The wisest among us is very lucky never to have met the woman, be she beautiful or ugly, intelligent or stupid, who could drive him crazy enough to be fit to b…
Permalink to quote #13 It has been said that love robs those who have it of their wit, and gives it to those who have none.
Permalink to quote #10
Related quotes
To be governed is to be watched over, inspected, spied on, directed, legislated at, regulated, docketed, indoctrinated, preached at, controlled, assessed, weig…
P. J. ProudhonP. J. Proudhon quote #2 I will make them conform themselves, or else I will harry them out of the land, or else do worse.
James I of EnglandJames I of England quote #2 The authorities are those who are clever, strong and smart, but if the process gets out of control of the commanders, it becomes something negative.
Seyran OhanyanSeyran Ohanyan quote #2