The guardians who have kindly undertaken the supervision will see to it that by far the largest part of mankind, including the entire 'beautiful sex,' should consider the step into maturity, not only as difficult but as very dangerous. After having made their domestic animals dumb and having carefully prevented these quiet creatures from daring to take any step beyond the lead-strings to which they have fastened them, these guardians then show them the danger which threatens them, should they attempt to walk alone.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Some guardians keep people immature like pets and warn them against maturity. They prevent independent action to maintain control.
- In plain terms
- Guardians keep people dependent by making maturity seem dangerous.
- What can you take from it?
- Avoid controlling others by keeping them dependent.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is safety worth losing freedom?
- Who decides maturity?
Another view
It assumes everyone wants to be independent.
More from Immanuel Kant
Through laziness and cowardice a large part of mankind, even after nature has freed them from alien guidance, gladly remain immature. It is because of laziness…
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