As a rule, all heroism is due to a lack of reflection, and thus it is necessary to maintain a mass of imbeciles. If they once understand themselves the ruling men will be lost. (Ernest Renan)

As a rule, all heroism is due to a lack of reflection, and thus it is necessary to maintain a mass of imbeciles. If they once understand themselves the ruling men will be lost.

Ernest Renan

Related topics

due heroism men lack lost mass necessary once reflection rule ruling thus

Related quotes

Genius is present in every age, but the men carrying it within them remain benumbed unless extraordinary events occur to heat up and melt the mass so that it flows forth. View quote
Denis Diderot
We can hope that men will understand that the interest of all are the same, that hope lies in cooperation. We can then perhaps keep PEACE. View quote
Alva Myrdal
If men and women are to understand each other, to enter into each other's nature with mutual sympathy, and to become capable of genuine comradeship, the foundation must be laid in youth. View quote
Havelock Ellis
A strong argument for the religion of Christ is this - that offences against Charity are about the only ones which men on their death-beds can be made - not to understand - but to feel - as crime. View quote
Edgar Allan Poe
I'm supposed to have a Ph.D. on the subject of women. But the truth is I've flunked more often than not. I'm very fond of women; I admire them. But, like all men, I don't understand them. View quote
Frank Sinatra