The fact that political ideologies are tangible realities is not a proof of their vitally necessary character. The bubonic plague was an extraordinarily powerful social reality, but no one would have regarded it as vitally necessary.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The tangible impact of an ideology does not prove it is essential; even powerful realities like plague are not vital.
- In plain terms
- Just because something is real and influential doesn’t mean it’s necessary.
- What can you take from it?
- Question the assumed necessity of dominant ideas.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How can we distinguish between powerful and essential ideas?
- What criteria should determine an ideology’s necessity?
Another view
Some ideologies may be essential for cohesion despite their origins.
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