To shut our eyes to the part that John Smith plays in the perpetuation of unworkable policies, in building up the forces of which he becomes the victim, is to perpetuate his victimization. The only means by which he can be liberated from the evil power of organized minorities is by making him aware of the nature of the impulses and motives to which the exploiters so successfully appeal. If such phenomena as nationalism, for instance, can assume forms that are gravely dangerous, it is because the nationalist appeal finds response in deep human impulses, instincts, in psychological facts which we must face.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Victims of unworkable policies stay trapped until they understand the impulses exploited by minorities.
- In plain terms
- People stay trapped in bad systems until they understand their own feelings.
- What can you take from it?
- Awareness liberates from exploited impulses.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What drives exploitation?
- Can awareness change deep impulses?
Another view
Deep psychological impulses are hard to overcome with awareness alone.
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