All executive power - from the reign of ancient kings to the rule of modern dictators - has the outward appearance of efficiency.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Authoritarian regimes often present themselves as efficient to justify concentrated power.
- In plain terms
- Dictators look efficient but use that to take over power.
- What can you take from it?
- Beware leaders who claim efficiency above all else.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When does efficiency become a trap?
- Who benefits from efficiency?
Another view
Efficiency is sometimes necessary in crises.
More from William O. Douglas
The right to be let alone is indeed the beginning of all freedom.
Permalink to quote #8 Restriction of free thought and free speech is the most dangerous of all subversions. It is the one un-American act that could most easily defeat us.
Permalink to quote #10 We are a religious people whose institutions presuppose a Supreme Being.
Permalink to quote #7
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