One of the little-celebrated powers of Presidents (and other high government officials) is to listen to their critics with just enough sympathy to ensure their silence.
John Kenneth GalbraithRead
In the autumn of 1929 the mightiest of Americans were, for a brief time, revealed as human beings.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the vulnerability of even the most powerful individuals during challenging times.
John Kenneth Galbraith's quote suggests that in the face of adversity, specifically the Great Depression starting in 1929, even the most powerful figures in society were stripped of their facade of invulnerability and revealed their shared humanity. It underscores the idea that in times of crisis, everyone, regardless of their status, experiences challenges and fears, reminding us of our common condition as human beings.
Themes
AutumnHumanityPowerVulnerabilityCrisis
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about resilience during tough times, one might say, 'As Galbraith pointed out, we all become human in adversity.'
More from John Kenneth Galbraith
All quotes βIf all else fails, immortality can always be assured by spectacular error.
John Kenneth GalbraithRead
The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness.
John Kenneth GalbraithRead
All successful revolutions are the kicking in of a rotten door.
John Kenneth GalbraithRead
Money differs from an automobile or mistress in being equally important to those who have it and those who do not.
John Kenneth GalbraithRead
People of privilege will always risk their complete destruction rather than surrender any material part of their advantage.
John Kenneth GalbraithRead
Similar quotes
I have seen the rise of fascism and communism. Both philosophies glorify the arbitrary power of the state... But both theories fail. Both deny those God-given liberties that are the inalienable right of each person on this planet, indeed, they deny the existence of God.
Ronald ReaganRead
To arrive at a just estimate of a renowned man's character one must judge it by the standards of his time, not ours.
Mark TwainRead
In progressive societies the concentration[of wealth] may reach a point where the strength of number in the many poor rivals the strength of ability in the few rich; then the unstable equilibrium generates a critical situation, which history has diversely met by legislation redistributing wealth or by revolution distributing poverty.
Will DurantRead
No man, no power, can bind the action of wizardry or still the words of power. For they are the very words of Making, and one who could silence them could unmake the world.
Ursula K. Le GuinRead
When the world smiles upon us, and we have got a warm nest, how do we prophesy of rest and peace in those acquisitions, thinking with good Baruch, great things for ourselves, but Providence by a particular or general calamity overturns our plans (Jer. 45:4,5), and all this to turn our hearts from the creature to God.
John FlavelRead
To reach me, you must move to me. Your attack offers me an opportunity to intercept you.
Bruce LeeRead