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Political tags - such as royalist, communist, democrat, populist, fascist, liberal, conservative, and so forth - are never basic criteria. The human race divides politically into those who want people to be controlled and those who have no such desire. The former are idealists acting from highest motives for the greatest good of the greatest number. The latter are surly curmudgeons, suspicious and lacking in altruism. But they are more comfortable neighbors than the other sort.

Robert A. Heinlein#121

PoliticsFreedomControlIdeology

About this quote

What does it mean?
Politics divides between those who want control and those who do not, regardless of labels.
In plain terms
Labels like liberal or conservative don't matter; do you want to control others?
What can you take from it?
Look beyond party tags to see if someone favors control or freedom.

Where it applies

  • political debate
  • voting
  • community organizing

Putting it to work

  • analyze motives
  • ignore labels
  • advocate for freedom

Questions to consider

  • Do you want to control others?
  • Which labels matter most?

Another view

It oversimplifies complex political ideologies and motivations.

More from Robert A. Heinlein

  1. Place your clothes and weapons where you can find them in the dark.'

    Permalink to quote #120
  2. Rub her feet.

    Permalink to quote #122
  3. People who go broke in a big way never miss any meals. It is the poor jerk who is shy a half slug who must tighten his belt.

    Permalink to quote #119

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