I wonder how the foreign policies of the United States would look if we wiped out the national boundaries of the world, at least in our minds, and thought of all children everywhere as our own.
Howard ZinnRead
If those in charge of our society - politicians, corporate executives, and owners of press and television - can dominate our ideas, they will be secure in their power. They will not need soldiers patrolling the streets. We will control ourselves.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the power of ideas and media in shaping society, suggesting that control over thoughts leads to self-governance.
Howard Zinn's quote underscores the influence of powerful figures in society—politicians, corporate executives, and media owners—on public perception and beliefs. When these individuals or groups can dominate and manipulate our ideas, they create an environment where individuals self-regulate their thoughts and actions, reducing the need for overt control or force, such as soldiers. This reflects a profound commentary on how societal power dynamics operate through the control of information and ideology.
Themes
PowerIdeasMediaSocietyControl
In practice
Example use cases
This quote may be used in a discussion about media influence on public opinion.
More from Howard Zinn
All quotes →History can come in handy. If you were born yesterday, with no knowledge of the past, you might easily accept whatever the government tells you. But knowing a bit of history--while it would not absolutely prove the government was lying in a given instance--might make you skeptical, lead you to ask questions, make it more likely that you would find out the truth.
Howard ZinnRead
Objectivity is impossible and it is also undesirable. That is, if it were possible it would be undesirable, because if you have any kind of a social aim, if you think history should serve society in some way; should serve the progress of the human race; should serve justice in some way, then it requires that you make your selection on the basis of what you think will advance causes of humanity.
Howard ZinnRead
The historian's distortion is more than technical, it is ideological; it is released into a world of contending interest, where any chosen emphasis supports some kind of interest, whether economic or political or racial, or national or sexual.
Howard ZinnRead
Americans have been taught that their nation is civilized and humane. But, too often, U.S. actions have been uncivilized and inhumane.
Howard ZinnRead
The challenge remains. On the other side are formidable forces: money, political power, the major media. On our side are the people of the world and a power greater than money or weapons: the truth.
Howard ZinnRead
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