'Men in authority will always think that criticism of their policies is dangerous. They will always equate their policies with patriotism, and find criticism subversive.'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Authority figures often mistake criticism of their policies for disloyalty, equating dissent with subversion.
- In plain terms
- Leaders often see criticism as an attack on patriotism.
- What can you take from it?
- Criticism of policy is often mistaken for disloyalty by leaders.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When is criticism subversive?
- How do leaders perceive dissent?
Another view
Some criticism may indeed be subversive in specific contexts.
More from Henry Steele Commager
American historian and teacher--born Oct. 25, 1902, Pittsburgh, Pa. Died March 2, 1998, Amherst, Mass.,
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