The basic test of freedom is perhaps less in what we are free to do than in what we are free not to do. A ruling intelligentsia, whether in Europe, Asia or Africa, treats the masses as raw material to be experimented on, processed, and wasted at will.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- True freedom is defined by restraint and choice not to act, not just by what one can do. Elites often treat ordinary people as experiments.
- In plain terms
- Freedom means having the power to say no, not just yes. Elites often use regular people as test subjects.
- What can you take from it?
- Freedom is found in the ability to refuse, not just to act.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What choices have I refused recently?
- Do I treat others as means to an end?
Another view
Some societal goals require collective action that limits individual choice.
More from Eric Hoffer
The real persuaders are our appetites, our fears and above all our vanity. The skillful propagandist stirs and coaches these internal persuaders.
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