The secret of the demagogue is to make himself as stupid as his audience so that they believe they are as clever as he.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Demagogues pretend to be simple so people feel smart for following them.
- In plain terms
- Leaders make you feel clever by acting dumb.
- What can you take from it?
- Demand real leadership, not flattery.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Who makes you feel smart?
- How do you spot manipulation?
Another view
It simplifies complex political dynamics into individual intelligence.
More from Karl Kraus
The real truths are those that can be invented.
Permalink to quote #43 The world has become uglier since it began to look into a mirror every day; so let us settle for the mirror image and do without an inspection of the original.
Permalink to quote #45 The devil is an optimist if he thinks he can make people meaner.
Permalink to quote #42
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