As a rule, all heroism is due to a lack of reflection, and thus it is necessary to maintain a mass of imbeciles. If they once understand themselves the ruling men will be lost.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Heroism stems from acting without deep thought, and rulers rely on unthinking masses to stay in power.
- In plain terms
- People act bravely when they do not overthink; rulers keep them unthinking to survive.
- What can you take from it?
- Question the role of ignorance in maintaining authority.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does ignorance help or hinder progress?
- Is heroism truly thoughtless?
Another view
Heroism often requires deliberate thought and planning.
More from Ernest Renan
To be free in an age like ours, one must be in a position of authority. That in itself would be enough to make me ambitious.
Permalink to quote #1 He whom God has touched will always be a being apart: he is, whatever he may do, a stranger among men; he is marked by a sign.
Permalink to quote #3 In morals, truth is but little prized when it is a mere sentiment, and only attains its full value when realized in the world as fact.
Permalink to quote #4
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