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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker expresses a cynical view that government surveillance replaces traditional divine oversight.
In plain terms
Someone is watching us, but it is the government, not a god.
What can you take from it?
Modern surveillance mimics divine omnipresence in a negative way.

Where it applies

  • political commentary
  • privacy debate
  • security discussion

Putting it to work

  • discuss civil liberties
  • critique state power
  • analyze surveillance

Questions to consider

  • Who do you trust to watch over society?
  • Is safety worth the loss of privacy?

Another view

It equates divine care with state control.

More from Woody Allen

  1. I am thankful for laughter, except when milk comes out of my nose.

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  2. I do occasionally envy the person who is religious naturally, without being brainwashed into it or suckered into it by all the organized hustles.

    Permalink to quote #118
  3. I am at two with nature.

    Permalink to quote #115

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